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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.
To see all of the Department on Aging’s new and modified programs, visit our COVID-19 Resources for Seniors page.
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.
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
Caregiver Education Series
A monthly presentation from the Aging Transitions team and community professionals on helpful topics for caregivers.
Advance Directives: September 21, 1:30 – 2:30 pm
Join Rich Gwaltney from Transitions LifeCare to discuss how to make our healthcare and end-of-life choices known to our loved ones.
Self-Care: October 19, 1:30 – 2:30
Discover ways you can take care of yourself while managing the role of caregiver, join Byran Godfrey, MSW, LCSW on October 19.
Caregiving During the Holidays: November 16, 1:30 – 2:30 pm
Kendall Kopchick, MSW, LCSWA will share tips on how to manage your role as a caregiver during what is usually the happiest, but busiest time of the year.
Join via GoToMeeting. Register one day prior to the meeting. To register, please call 919-968-2087 or email agingtransitions@orangecountync.gov. Contact Kim Kendall for more information.
Caregiver Month of Care November 2020
Out of an abundance of caution for the health and safety of our community, we have decided to shift our Caregivers Day of Care event, to a series of virtual events for Caregiver Month of Care. Join us every Monday in November for a short guided self-care activity. Contact Kendall Kopchick to register or for more information.
Monday 11/2 10:30 – 11:00 am
Monday 11/9 10:30 – 11:00 am
Monday 11/16 10:30 – 11:00 am
Monday 11/23 10:30 – 11:00 am
Monday 11/30 10:30 – 11:00 am
Caring for Ourselves - Support Group
Virtual meeting with others who are feeling worried, lonely, and in-need of a safe space to explore their feelings. This group will include education and tips that can be used to manage feelings of stress and anxiety while promoting self-care.
Register: 2 days in advance to receive a program eligibility screening and instructions on how to join. For more information and to register please call Tiffany Summers, LCSWA, and 919-245-4277.
Time/Date: Monthly 1st/ 3rd Monday at 2:30-3:30 pm
Care Partner Collaborative
A social gathering for care partners and their loved ones experiencing cognitive and/or physical challenges. Our group has moved online, coming together each Wednesday at 11 a.m. via GoToMeeting. We continue to create a flexible space for sharing and connection, with all participants welcome to join in simple, enjoyable group activities according to individual ability levels. To register, please call 919-968-2087 or email agingtransitions@orangecountync.gov. For more information, congtact Lisa Meinert.
Caregiver’s Support Groups
Virtual meeting with other caregivers to share experiences, learn new skills, and get answers to questions about dementia and other long-term disabilities. For more information or to register your interest to join, please call 919-245-2015, 919-968-2070, or register online at: https://server4.orangecountync.gov/wbwsc/Webtrac.wsc/search.html?module=AR and search keyword “Caregivers’ Support.”
Register: 1 day prior to the meeting
Location: Online or by phone via GoToMeeting
Dates/Times:
Monthly 2nd/4th Thu (Exception: Dec 1st/3rd Thu); (255005-02) 1 – 2:30 pm
Monthly 2nd/4th Fri (Exception: Dec 1st/3rd Fri); (352755-03) 10:30am – 12pm
Dementia Education Collaborative
The Dementia Education Collaborative is designed to provide basic information about dementia to individuals with memory concerns, caregivers, family members, friends, and interested community members.
Dementia – Let's Talk About It
Join OCDoA’s dementia care specialists for a conversation around topics related to dementia education, living with cognitive change, and being a dementia caregiver. We will provide 15-30 minutes of education at the start of the hour, and the remaining time will be spent in conversation, Q&A, and resource-sharing around the day’s topic. Grab your preferred morning beverage and join us! You may register for one or multiple sessions.
- 10 Ways to Care for Your Brain: Tue, Oct 6; 10:15-11:15 am (350002-01)
- Delirium: Tue, Oct 20; 10:15-11:15 am (350002-01)
- Know the 10 Signs: Tue, Nov 3; 10:15-11:15 am (350002-01)
- Holidays with Dementia: Tue, Nov 17; 10:15-11:15 am (350002-01)
Join via GoToMeeting. Register one day prior to the meeting. To register, please call 919-245-4279 or email MDagger@orangecountync.gov.
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
Hello! Care Partners
A weekly 30-minute online session for people living with mid-stage dementia. We want folks to feel connected and included in our small weekly group that takes things slowly and with a smile. We enjoy the moment with hello’s and how are you’s, songs and stories, pictures and poems. To register, please call 919-968-2087 or email agingtransitions@orangecountync.gov . Contact Lisa (hyperlink to her email) for more information.
Dates/Times: Tuesdays; 11:30 am—12 noon (357111-03)
How to Prepare for a Telehealth Visit
Many health care appointments have gone virtual, so how do you get ready for a “visit”? Join Nancy Ruffner, from NavigateNC (www.navigatenc.com), and discover helpful tips to prepare for your next telehealth visit.
https://youtu.be/oC-g8c-gHYY Recorded: 6/15/20
Memory Cafe
A monthly opportunity for persons with dementia and their care partners to relax over a “virtual” cup of coffee and socialize. Meets first Tuesday and second Monday. Available via GoToMeeting. To register, please call 919-968-2087 or email agingtransitions@orangecountync.gov. Contact Kendall Kopchick for more information.
Virtual Chapel Hill (Previously at Bruegger’s Bagels)
2nd Mon, Sept 14; Oct 12; Nov 9 (357157-01) 2 - 3 pm
Virtual Hillsborough (Previously at Cup-A-Joe)
1st Tue, Sept 1; Oct 6; Nov 3 (255017-01) 2:30 - 3:30 pm
Simple Meals for Care Partners
Learn quick and easy tips for making simple, healthy meals at home from NC Cooperative Extension’s Family and Consumer Science Agent, Ivelisse Colón, LDN.
https://youtu.be/V2AiANVsATc Recorded: 7/20/20