Family and Caregivers
Support and Resources are Available to Help Prevent Caregiver Burnout.
Many who are helping others don't often think of themselves as "caregivers." But when one or more of the following types of situations arise, it's time to start considering yourself as a caregiver:
- A health problem is cramping your mother's lifestyle
- You are helping out with a parent's financial issues
- Home maintenance is slipping - the grass is overgrown, and things are broken, but not repaired
- The refrigerator is poorly stocked and food is going bad
- Your grandfather has died and your grandmother is alone for the first time in 40 years
- Dad seems distracted on the phone and you are concerned about his memory
You are not alone! There is a wealth of caregiving resources, support groups, and other information for all different kinds of caregivers. Contact the ADRC Specialist at (920) 849-1451 to learn more about caregiver resources.
- REACH Caregiver Support
www.mosaicfamilyhealth.org - Wisconsin Family Caregivers
Virtual, Telephonic, and Online Resources & Events
This page is full of caregiver education, training, support groups, and Memory Cafes that can be accessed by caregivers in a variety of ways.
NEW SUPPORT GROUPS STARTING IN 2025
Caring for a loved one can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges. At the Calumet County Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) we understand the complexities of caregiving and the toll it can take on individuals providing care, which is exactly why we strongly encourage caregivers to consider joining a caregiver support group like our very own. These groups offer a lifeline of support, understanding and invaluable resources that can significantly enhance the caregiving journey. Engaging in a caregiver support group can make a profound difference in the lives of both caregivers and their loved ones. Caregiver support groups provide a safe space where individuals can share their experiences, questions, concerns and triumphs with others who are walking a similar path.
Whether you seek practical guidance or simply desire the comfort of knowing you're not alone, joining a caregiver support group is a fantastic way to find solace and strength. Join us for our monthly Caregiver Support Group meeting, specifically designed for families and caregivers, this group provides coping techniques and guidance to help you as you care for your loved ones. In Calumet County, your caregiving journey is not just yours to bear, it's ours to share, making every step a little lighter and a lot more meaningful.
Caring for a loved one can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges. At the Calumet County Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) we understand the complexities of caregiving and the toll it can take on individuals providing care, which is exactly why we strongly encourage caregivers to consider joining a caregiver support group like our very own. These groups offer a lifeline of support, understanding and invaluable resources that can significantly enhance the caregiving journey. Engaging in a caregiver support group can make a profound difference in the lives of both caregivers and their loved ones. Caregiver support groups provide a safe space where individuals can share their experiences, questions, concerns and triumphs with others who are walking a similar path.
Whether you seek practical guidance or simply desire the comfort of knowing you're not alone, joining a caregiver support group is a fantastic way to find solace and strength. Join us for our monthly Caregiver Support Group meeting, specifically designed for families and caregivers, this group provides coping techniques and guidance to help you as you care for your loved ones. In Calumet County, your caregiving journey is not just yours to bear, it's ours to share, making every step a little lighter and a lot more meaningful.
Where: Fox Valley Technical College- Chilton Campus 1200 E. Chestnut St. Chilton, WI, Room 135
When: FIRST THURSDAY of each Month- starting February 6th, 2025
Time: 1:00pm- 2:00pm
More Information or help with transportation/respite- Contact the Calumet County ADRC at 920-849-1451
What are the symptoms of caregiver burnout? The symptoms are similar to the symptoms of stress and depression, which include:
- Withdrawal from friends, family, and other loved ones
- Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
- Feeling blue, irritable, hopeless and helpless
- Changes in appetite, weight, or both
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Getting sick more often
- Feelings of wanting to hurt yourself or the person for whom you are caring
- Emotional and physical exhaustion
- Irritability
What Causes Caregiver Burnout?
Caregivers often are so busy caring for others that they tend to neglect their own emotional, physical, and spiritual health. The demands on a caregiver's body, mind, and emotions can easily seem overwhelming, leading to fatigue and hopelessness - and, ultimately, burnout.
Other factors that can lead to caregiver burnout include:
- Role confusion - Many people are confused when thrust into the role of caregiver. It can be difficult for a person to separate her role as a caregiver from her role as a spouse, lover, child, friend, etc.
- Unrealistic expectations - Many caregivers expect their involvement to have a positive effect on the health and happiness of the patient. This may be unrealistic for patients suffering from a progressive disease, such as Parkinson's or Alzheimer's.
- Lack of control - Many caregivers become frustrated by a lack of money, resources, and skills to effectively plan, manage, and organize their loved one's care.
- Unreasonable demands - Some caregivers place unreasonable burdens upon themselves, in part because they see providing care as their exclusive responsibility.
- Other factors - Many caregivers cannot recognize when they are suffering from caregiver burnout and eventually get to the point where they cannot function effectively. They may even become sick themselves.
Calumet County Caregiver Coalition - Calumet Area Aging Network (CAAN)
A Caregiver Coalition is a group of community-based organizations, health care providers, experienced caregivers, and others working with a common mission to provide family caregivers in our community with a link to vital services and support.
The mission of the Calumet Area Aging Network (CAAN) is to improve the quality of life for seniors and their support systems by developing and sharing information through education, events and networking in the Calumet County Area. The group consists of persons in the community, both professionals and nonprofessional who have a passion for improving the quality of life for seniors.
The group meets in-person and/or virtually the last Thursday of each month from 8:00 to 9:00 a.m. at Uptown Commons, 49 W. Main Street, Chilton. New members are always welcome. Please call the ADRC at (920) 849-1451 for more information.