Individual
You are not alone if you feel stressed and overwhelmed by caring for a loved one with dementia or other disability. Our caregiver specialists will support you on your journey. Contact our Caregiver Information and Assistance Program to learn about resources and programs for people in your shoes. In addition to providing information, we will create a custom support plan for you free of charge.
Do I Qualify for a Custom Caregiver’s Plan?
If you provide physical and emotional support for a loved one challenged by aging or other disability, you are a caregiver, and you qualify for the services of St. John’s Community Care. Most caregivers can relate to these statements:
- I feel overwhelmed by caregiving.
- My to-do list doubled when I began caring for my loved one because I now am managing two households.
- I am in constant fear for the safety of my loved one and don’t think I can leave them alone.
- My health is suffering from the stress of caregiving; I don’t have time to exercise or cook healthy meals.
- I don’t know where to get help and support.
- My social life is suffering because I am a caregiver, and I am lonely.
- I don’t think I can afford personal attention to help me with my situation.
Keeping all these feelings bottled up can lead to depression. We have a solution.
Receive a Custom Caregiving Plan
Our caregiver support specialists will help you create and follow a plan that supports both you and your loved one. We follow a four-step process.
- We start with an assessment of your needs.
- Your caregiver specialist evaluates your situation and then suggests programs, services, and resources that will help you and your loved one.
- The caregiver specialist develops a care plan with you, and you begin to follow it.
- We stay connected and help you adjust your plan as needed.
We provide our Information and Assistance Program free of charge thanks to funding from AgeSmart Community Resources, with grants from the Administration for Community Living and Illinois Department on Aging. As a local Area Agency on Aging, AgeSmart promotes healthy aging by providing resources and information to help individuals age well on their own terms.
Meet Our Caregiver Specialists
Ray Gallaher
Ray Gallaher has been part of the St. John’s Community Care team for 12 years. He began as a program assistant in the Adult Day Program, then became site manager. Now, he provides information and assistance to caregivers one on one and as a facilitator of support groups. Ray is one of Verona Coffee Company’s best customers!
Mary Baldwin
Mary understands what it’s like to be a caregiver. In addition to raising her two children, she has cared for eight foster children. She also has worked with children with disabilities in residential settings. Mary supports caregivers by providing individual assistance, teaching courses, and facilitating support groups, Mary is a proud grandmother and mom to two rescue dogs: Sophie, a Chihuahua, and Sadie, a red heeler mix.
Caregiver Support Groups
The companionship of other caregivers might work wonders for lifting your mood. Hearing from others who are experiencing the same challenges and stress can help you to know that you are not alone and offer perspective and tips from caregivers who have faced similar situations. Check out our Caregiver Support Groups and find one that fits your schedule. We offer both in-person and Zoom support groups.