Caregiving Services

Families and caregivers are critical to our programs, and we support their physical, mental, and emotional health.   

Choosing the right kind of care for someone who needs daily assistance due to injury, disability, or aging can feel overwhelming. To help you balance your caregiving responsibilities, we’ve created this list of resources to assist in making the best decisions. 

From Errands to Emotional Support: The Many Faces of Caregiving 

Although there are many paid sources of help, Easterseals’ focus is on unpaid or informal caregiving, which accounts for the majority of all care provided. There are many types of caregivers, because the term caregiver refers to anyone who provides help to another person in need.  

This may be a few hours a week, or full-time, live-in support. The person being cared for may live at home, with you, or with another friend or family member, or in a residential facility. The person receiving care may have a disability, such as dementia, cancer or brain injury, or may just need a little help with basic daily tasks. 

Some tasks might include: 

• Helping a friend with disabilities by driving them to their medical appointments. 
• Assisting a neighbor by mowing their lawn or shoveling snow from their driveway. 
• Supporting a sibling with a mental health condition by regularly checking in and offering emotional support. 
• Providing child care for a family member who is a single parent, allowing them to work or take a break. 
• Cooking meals for an elderly relative who has difficulty preparing food on their own. 
• Managing medications for a spouse with a chronic illness, ensuring they take their prescriptions on time. 
• Organizing social activities for a friend who is socially isolated, helping them stay connected with others. 
• Helping a coworker by covering their shifts when they need to care for a sick family member. 

 Types of Relationships to Caregiving 

Some caregivers also have the added responsibilities of administering medications and tasks related to the older person’s illness or disability. Often, caregivers already have a relationship with the person or persons they are caring for, like with parents, 
children, spouse, another family member, neighbor or friend. 

Other types of caregiving relationships include: 

• Adults caring for other relatives, such as grandparents, siblings, aunts, and uncles 
• Spouses caring for elderly husbands or wives 
• Middle-aged parents caring for adult children with severe disabilities 
• Adults caring for friends and neighbors 
• Children caring for a parent or elderly grandparent with a disability 

Informal or unpaid caregivers are the primary source of care for nearly three-quarters of the older adults with limitations who live in the community. These caregivers are usually family members. The most common type of informal caregiving relationship is an adult child caring for an elderly parent. 

Common Health Conditions That Caregivers Help Manage  

Caregiving is a vital and multifaceted role that involves supporting individuals with a wide range of health conditions. You often provide essential physical assistance and emotional support to enhance the quality of life for those in your care. Understanding the specific conditions that caregivers commonly encounter can help with effective caregiving. 

Balancing Act: Managing Caregiver Responsibilities and Self-Care 

Caregiving is a demanding role that requires balancing the needs of the person you care for with your own well-being. It's essential to recognize that taking care of yourself is not a luxury but a necessity. When you prioritize your health and emotional needs, you are better equipped to provide the best care possible.

You're Not Alone: Essential Services for Caregivers 

Caregiving can be made easier with the support of a network of services and resources. By tapping into available assistance—from adult day care and home care to meal programs, respite care, and support groups—you can ensure that you and those you care for receive the support you need to maintain health and well-being.