Free care services for dementia caregivers

No. ADRC's services are provided at no cost to people caring for a loved one living with dementia. Support from donors, community partners and other funding sources makes this possible.

Elder care services usually include adult day care, in-home care (both non-medical and medical), assisted living and skilled nursing, and help from elder law attorneys and doctors. Which ones fit depends on your person's needs and your budget.

ADRC can refer you to trusted local providers in each of these areas, based on what caregivers tell us about their experiences. Ask us for a referral. The Florida Department of Elder Affairs also lists state services for older adults.

Yes. Adult day care programs give your person a place to spend the day with others while you work or rest. Call us at (407) 436-7750 and we'll share local adult day care programs that other caregivers have recommended. Learn about information and referral.

The best way to prevent caregiver burnout is to get support early, before you're exhausted. Take regular breaks, ask family and friends for help with one specific task, learn what to expect from the disease and keep up with your own health.

Warning signs include losing your patience, snapping at your person, feeling guilty all the time or feeling alone with no one to turn to. If that sounds familiar, it's time to reach out.

Support groups and Care Navigation can make each of these easier. The National Institute on Aging also has helpful tips on caring for yourself. If you are in crisis, find caregiver crisis resources.

Yes. We can refer you to local in-home care services, both non-medical and medical, based on what other caregivers tell us about their experiences. Providers can't pay to be on our lists. Call (407) 436-7750 or ask for a referral.

That's okay, and you're not a bad son or daughter for saying it. Not everyone can provide care around the clock, and trying to do it all alone can wear down your own health.

A free Care Navigation session can help you sort out what you can afford, whether other family members or friends can share the load, and which local services can fill the gaps, such as adult day care, in-home care or a facility with a dementia unit.

Many caregivers feel this way, especially when every day is already full. Our groups last one to two hours, in-person groups need no reservation, and virtual groups let you join from home. Talking with caregivers who truly get it can give you new ideas and remind you that you're not alone. Find a group.

ADRC runs free virtual support groups for dementia caregivers. They include a daytime open group, an evening open group, a group for Spanish-speaking caregivers, a men's group and Fannie's Friends for adult daughters and granddaughters. Email info@adrccares.org to join. See the schedule.

Start by reaching out to their family, if you can, and share what you've noticed. Then call us at (407) 436-7750. We can talk through your concerns and point you to local services.

Florida's elder helplines can also connect older adults with help in their county, including the state's Aging and Disability Resource Centers. Those are a separate state network, not part of ADRC. Find Florida elder helplines.

Our Dementia Devotional offers encouragement for caregivers who draw strength from their faith.