Are you caring for an aging parent or loved one who is dealing with illness, dementia, life transitions or losses?
Caregiving can be rewarding, but it can also be stressful and exhausting. Many caregivers find it challenging to:
- Find time to take care of themselves while they are caring for others.
- Navigate complex systems to access services.
- Make sense of a confusing array of care options.
- Help their loved ones ease social isolation during COVID and beyond.
CJE SeniorLife is here to help guide the way.
CJE SeniorLife offers assistance to family members in their caregiving roles, from support groups, to individual counseling for caregiver stress, to providing access to resources and other programs.
If you are over 55 years old and experiencing caregiver stress, you may be eligible to receive Counseling Services at CJE SeniorLife by licensed clinical social workers who are experts in managing aging and caregiving issues. In most cases, insurance covers these counseling sessions.
We can also recommend variety of resources for caregivers under 55.
Resources and Information for Caregivers
CJE SeniorLine
Our clinical intake professionals can help you find programs and supports within our organization and in the community. Call 773.508.1000 with any aging or disability related question.
CJE Counseling Services
We offer a full range of caregiver behavioral health services via Telehealth with video or telephone-only connection. We have returned to scheduling some in-person sessions in our Rogers Park and Deerfield offices and home visits on a case-by-case basis, but continue to limit these in an effort to mitigate as much risk as possible.
To find out more about counseling services for caregivers, please call our SeniorLine at 773-508-1000.
CJE Caregiver Support Groups
- Family Caregiver Support Group
This support group is for all family members who are providing care for someone with dementia. Led by Carrie Cutler, MSW, LCSW. 1st Thursday of every month. 4–5 pm CST. Free. Virtual Meeting Registration required: 847.236.7826 or carrie.cutler@cje.net.
- Making Connections
For older adults who have adult children with disabilities. Connect, share experiences and learn about benefits and community resources. This group offers an opportunity to connect via video or telephone. 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month. 11 am-12:15 pm. Registration required. Contact Mariana Sanchez, LCSW at 773.508.1106
- Caring Conversations
A support group for family caregivers of Holocaust Survivors. Meets on the 1st Wednesday of every month from 4-5:30 pm with video or telephone options. Yonit Hoffman, PhD and Anna Dominov, LCSW. Registration required. Contact Yonit Hoffman at Yonit.Hoffman@cje.net or 773.508.1004.
- Caring Conversations
A support group for family caregivers of Holocaust Survivors. Meets on the 3rd Wednesday of every month from 6:30-7:30 pm with video or telephone options. Led by Maya Gumirov, LPC, NCC, MACC, and John Wickham, LCSW. Registration required: Call 773.508.1315 or 773.508.1016.
CJE Cyber Club Programs
Many of our Cyber Club programs are great for caregivers and care partners. You can join these programs by sending an email to community.engagement@cje.net or by calling 773.508.1089. You can find detailed on information on these programs here: https://www.cje.net/cyberclub.
CJE LifeNOTES
CJE LifeNotes contain valuable information and tips on a variety of aging issues. You can find our LifeNOTES on caregiving topics here: https://www.cje.net/lifenotes
Insights on Aging: Brain and Behavior Changes with Dementia
In this video, watch a recording of our Insights on Aging virtual community education program presented by CJE Counseling Services on October 8, 2021. In Part 1 of our two-part series, participants can learn about the physical changes that take place in the brain during the course of dementia. This program discusses the types of behavior changes that may occur and how to appropriately adapt to the person with dementia’s “new normal.” Communication strategies are explored as well as how to best use visual, verbal, and touch cues. In addition, the presenter shares resources for further learning.
Speaker:
Christie Norrick, MSW
Project Manager, Leonard Schanfield Research Institute
Download power point presentation here >>>
Insights on Aging: Providing Care to People Living with Dementia
In this video, watch a recording of our Insights on Aging virtual community education program presented by CJE Counseling Services on November 12, 2021. This is the second presentation in a two-part series, in which participants can learn strategies to be better care partners for people living with dementia. Hands-on skills to provide assistance with activities of daily living such as bathing and eating are reviewed. The focus of this presentation is on specific strategies that involve the person with dementia as an active participant in their care so that they can maintain skills and feel more comfortable. The presenter also shares resources for further learning.
Helpful Articles and Resource Guide:
- Supporting Family Caregivers of Older Adults Through Times of Stress and Isolation Resource Guide >>>
- Four Free Tools to Help Caregivers Prepare for Emergencies >>>
- Stress Management for Caregivers, Mayo Clinic >>>
- Caregiver Burnout: Steps for Coping With Stress, AARP >>>
Other Caregiver Programs, Information and Resources:
- Alzheimer’s Association, Helpline and Caregiver Support Groups: 800.272.3900
- City of Chicago Caregiver Support Programs: 312.744.4016
- Family Caregiver Alliance: 800.445.8106
- Eldercare Locator: 800.677.1116
- Caregiver Action Network: 855.227.3640