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Caregiver Support Services
Orange County Caregiver Awareness, Respite, Education & Support (OC CARES) is proud to offer both individualized and community level supports to caregivers. Please reach out to the Aging Information Helpline at 919-968-2087 or AgingTransitions@orangecountync.gov for more information.
Caregiver Supports have gone VIRTUAL due to COVID-19
Support groups, Memory Café, Care Partner Collaborative, programs and services are available online, virtually, or by phone or email. Check out the "Individualized" and "Community" opportunities under the tabs below and get connected to the services you need today! For more information and assistance email the Aging Transitions team or call 919-968-2087.
For more caregiver resources, sign up for the monthly Community News for Caregivers e-newsletter.
DOWNLOAD the current Caregiver Programming flier (pdf) for program details, dates and times. REGISTER 1 day prior to the meeting. To register, call 919-245-2015, 919-968-2070 or register online.
See our Individualized and Community services and programs in the tabs below.
Activity Engagement Coaching
- As we all continue to spend a lot of time at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it can be challenging to find ways to keep loved ones with dementia engaged throughout the day.
For caregivers connected to our various dementia support programs, we are now offering one-on-one consultations (via phone or GoToMeeting) where we can brainstorm together with you to identify enjoyable activities that are- Person-centered, i.e. tailored to your loved one’s current and past interests, likes, preferences
- Meaningful
- Appropriately modified to current level of cognitive ability, thereby reducing frustration and stress
If interested, please contact Lisa Meinert, certified Dementia Care Partner and Activity Professional lmeinert@orangecountync.gov or 919-245-4251.
Consultations
- An opportunity to speak with a caregiver or dementia support specialist (via phone or GoToMeeting) regarding your specific caregiving situation.
Counseling Services
- Our team of social workers are available to work with older adults and caregivers for brief counseling services, free of charge. We can work with you on issues including anxiety, depression, caregiver stress and loneliness. Contact the Aging Helpline (919) 968-2087 or agingtransitions@orangecountync.gov) for more information.
Dementia-Caregiving Coaching
- Our social worker and occupational therapist team are available to support you through challenging situations that may arise along the dementia-caregiving journey.
Memory Screenings
- Schedule a time with an occupational therapist to complete a screening and learn more about you or a loved one’s specific areas of cognitive strength and challenge.
Options Counseling
- Trained Options Counselors provide guidance to individuals as they make informed choices about long-term services and supports.
Music In My Mind
- A program to create a personalized music playlist for your loved one with memory change
- Music In My Mind Orange County
In-Home Assistance Resources
- Information about where and how to hire help at home
- Aging in Place Support (see In-Home Assistance)
Caregiver E-Newsletter
’Community News for Caregivers’ is a monthly email newsletter that provides information on upcoming events, relevant community topics, and related resources.
Sign up for the Community News for Caregivers e-newsletter.
Caregiver Programming
OC CARES (Orange County Caregiver Awareness, Respite, Education & Support) is proud to continue offering programs for caregivers during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Please reach out to the Aging Helpline at 919-968-2087 or email the Aging Transitions team for more information on programs. All programs are meeting virtually, via phone or GoToMeeting.
DOWNLOAD the current Caregiver Programming flier (pdf) for program details, dates and times. REGISTER 1 day prior to the meeting. To register, call 919-245-2015, 919-968-2070 or register online.
- Activity Engagement Coaching: It can be challenging to find ways to keep loved ones with dementia engaged throughout the day. For caregivers connected to our various dementia support programs, we are now offering one-on-one consultations to identify enjoyable activities that are person-centered, meaningful and appropriately modified.
- Brief Counseling Services: Our team of social workers are available to work with older adults and caregivers for brief counseling services, free of charge. We can work with you on issues including anxiety, depression, caregiver stress and loneliness.
- Caregiver Education Series: A monthly presentation from the Aging Transitions team and community professionals on helpful topics for caregivers.
- Care Partner Collaborative: A social gathering for care partners and their loved ones experiencing cognitive and/or physical challenges. Creating a flexible space for sharing and connection, with all participants welcome to join in simple, enjoyable group activities according to individual ability levels.
- Caregiver Education Series: A monthly presentation from the Aging Transitions team and community professionals on helpful topics for caregivers.
- Caregiver Support Group: Virtual meeting with other caregivers to share experiences, learn new skills, and get answers to questions about dementia and other long-term disabilities.
- Memory Cafe: Paused due to COVID-19
Dementia Friendly Businesses
A free education program for local businesses and organizations that provides them with awareness and resources to better support clientele who are living with dementia.
See a complete list of Dementia Friendly organizations
If you would like to request a Dementia Friendly training, email the Aging Transitions Team or call 919-968-2087.