“There are only four kinds of people in the world – those who have been caregivers, those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers and those who will need caregivers.” – Rosalyn Carter
Are You a Family Caregiver?
In your family, are you the person who:
- Buys groceries, cooks, cleans or does laundry for someone who needs help?
- Pays bills and attends meetings for a family member in a residential facility?
- Helps a family member get dressed, take a shower and take medicine?
- Makes medical appointments and drives someone to the doctor and drugstore?
- Stops in or calls someone on a regular basis just to make sure they are OK?
If you answered yes to any of the above, you are a family caregiver!
Caregivers are daughters, wives, husbands, sons, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, partners, neighbors and friends. People often become caregivers gradually over time, but the need for caregiving can also happen overnight. Most caregivers prefer to provide care to a loved one and even feel rewarded. However, over time the demands of caregiving may have a negative impact on the physical and emotional health of the caregiver.
Some Signs that a Caregiver May Need Help
- Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
- Difficulty sleeping
- Emotional and physical exhaustion
- Getting sick more often
- Withdrawal from friends, family and other loved ones.
Caregivers are so busy caring for others that they tend to forget to take care of themselves.
If You are a Family Caregiver, There is Help for You!
The Aging and Disability Resource Center offers information on a variety of services and programs for people who provide care to a family member or other loved one.
Some of the services include:
- National Family Caregiver Support Program
- Alzheimer Family Caregiver Support Program
- Large library of books, DVDs and other informational material to assist the caregiver
- Caregiver Educational Events
- Monthly Caregiver Support Groups (4 Locations)
Locations and times of our Caregiver Support Groups:
Sturgeon Bay
ADRC/Community Center
916 N. 14th Ave.
Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235
Phone Number: (920) 746-2372
1st and 3rd Wednesday of the Month
1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Northern Door
Sister Bay Library, Community Room
2323 Mill Road
Sister Bay, WI 54234
Phone: (920) 746-2372
2nd Wednesday of the Month
1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Southern Door
Brussels Community Center
1366 Junction Road
Brussels, WI 54204
Phone Number: (920) 746-2372
2nd & 4th Tuesday of the Month
1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Washington Island
WICHP Fellowship Hall at Trinity Lutheran Church
1763 Town Line Rd
Washington Island, WI 54246
Phone: (920) 847-2108
1st Friday of the Month
11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
- Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Groups and Memory Cafes
- Annual Door County Caregiver Conference
Download Caregiver Support Brochure Download Caregiver Handbook