Region IV Area Agency on Aging strives to provide quality programs and resources to not only older adults and people with disabilities, but caregivers as well. Caregivers come in all shapes and sizes. Some are caring for an aging parent or spouse, others care for adults with disabilities or their grandchildren. No matter the caregiver, we have a variety of resources available.
Explore a summarized list below and click on “Learn More” for more information on each.
Caregiver Newsletter
Looking for a monthly touch-base of information from Area Agency on Aging about caregiving resources? Subscribe to our Caregiver Newsletter. Learn More.
In-Person & Virtual Support Groups
Looking for support? A virtual or in-person support group might be able to help.
Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group (in-person)
- 2-3 p.m. Second Tuesday of the month
- Campus for Creative Aging
- For those caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia
Alzheimer’s MALE Caregiver Support Group (in-person)
- 1-2:30 p.m. Second Thursday of the month
- Maud Preston Palenske Memorial Library
- For men caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia
Caregiver Support Group (in-person or virtual)
- 1-2 p.m. Third Tuesday of the month
- 4025 Health Park Lane, St. Joseph (in-person & virtual)
- For any caregiver
Dementia Minds/Transforming Dementia Support Group (in-person or virtual)
- 11 a.m. First Tuesday of the month in person and Zoom
- Campus for Creative Aging
- For those living with Dementia and their care partners
Kinship Care Support Group (Virtual)
- 10-11 a.m. second Thursday of the month
- For grandparents raising grandchildren or any other Kinship Caregiver relationship
All support groups are listed on the Classes & Events calendar. Sign-up’s are encouraged incase of cancelation due to inclement weather or other circumstances. Learn More.
GUIDE Model
The GUIDE (Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience) Model is a new payment approach for key supportive services furnished to people living with dementia, including respite and support for caregivers.
Kinship Care Support
Kinship care is the full-time protecting and nurturing of children by grandparents, aunts, uncles, godparents, older siblings, non-related extended family members, and anyone to whom children and parents ascribe a family relationship. At Area Agency on Aging, we want to make sure you are provided with resources to help you through your Kinship journey, as well as other educational opportunities for yourself, including support groups (see above). Need Kinship support? Give us a call at 269-983-7058.
Memory Cafés
Memory Cafés are a place for those with dementia and their caregivers to engage in art, enjoy games and puzzles, and learn about interesting topics in a safe and welcoming environment. Memory Cafés are lead by volunteer facilitators and are not for respite care.
Respite Care
Respite care is planned or emergency temporary care provided to caregivers. Even though many families take great joy in providing care to their loved ones so that they can remain at home, the physical, emotional and financial consequences for the family caregiver can be overwhelming without some support, such as respite. Respite provides a break for the family caregiver, which may prove beneficial to their health. Several Area Agency on Aging programs provide respite, including our GUIDE Model and Senior Companion volunteer program. Contact our Info-Line to Learn More.
Trualta Caregiver Support
Trualta provides a personalized, easy to use, skills-based, online training platform for family members caring for loved ones helping caregivers learn about care techniques, ideas for supporting their loved one more confidently at home and more. Sign-up for a free account and start exploring articles, videos and a variety of virtual support groups. Learn More.