“I’m not a caregiver, but I step in to help with Mom sometimes.”
“I’m not a caregiver, but I step in to manage my husband’s medications and appointments.”
“I’m not a caregiver, but I step in to take a neighbor to the doctor”
If you step in to provide help or assistance to a friend, family member, or loved one – you’re a caregiver. LifeStream Services can help with support, transitions, education, and planning as you STEP In to caregiving.
LifeStream’s new STEP In Caregiver Programs are a comprehensive way to educate and support family caregivers, care partners, and people with care needs. Outlined below are the current programs in place at LifeStream to support caregivers.
For more information about any of the following programs, please contact Hollyn Neal, Caregiver Programs Coordinator, by calling 765-759-1121 or hneal@lifestreaminc.org.
Community Caregiver Events
Throughout the year, LifeStream hosts events and run campaigns to help recognize caregivers. We would like these events to give caregivers an opportunity to focus on themselves for a couple of hours and enjoy some food, activities, and company of others in similar circumstances.
Click the link below to visit our events calendar, and use the filter to sort by Caregiver event type.
Care Coaching
The ADPI Care Coach Program is a program where the Care Coach evaluates how the care partner or caregiver is coping with stressors relating to dementia. The care partner and Care Coach then develop a personalized coaching plan for the care partner with the goal of reducing stress. Care Coach will re-assess the care partner’s stress level at three-month intervals to evaluate the progress towards the goal of stress reduction. The purpose of working with a Care Coach is to help care partners implement evidence-based coping strategies to manage their loved ones cognitive, functional, behavioral, and psychological disabilities without becoming burned out.
If you are interested in learning more about Care Coaching, please contact Tia Drumm, Care Coach, at 765-759-1121 or email tdrumm@lifestreaminc.org.
Caregiver Memory Kits
Caregiver Memory Kits are resource kits designed for individuals living with dementia and their caregivers and care partners. The goal of these kits is to help caregivers and care partners get connected with resources to help maintain a good quality of life, as well as increase interaction between the caregiver and their loved one. These kits consist of helpful books and resources for the caregiver, as well as activities for the caregiver and their loved one to enjoy together. Those who check out these kits will also be given a keepsake packet of resources and goodies to keep upon returning the kit, courtesy of LifeStream Services.
Dementia Friends Information Session
The Dementia Friends Indiana initiative–an outreach of Dementia Friendly America–seeks to educate communities across the state about dementia, break down the stigma surrounding dementia, and implement practical changes that make life easier to navigate for those with dementia and those who care for them. This session is great for any community member, community group, business, or organization that is interested in making their community friendlier and more conducive for those living with Dementia. This session can also serve as a helpful resource for anyone who is helping care for someone living with dementia.
Dementia Caregiver Support Group
LifeStream Services partners with the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Indiana Chapter and Dementia Friends Indiana to offer a virtual Dementia Caregiver Support Group.
Memory Cafés
Memory Cafés are a welcoming safe place for people with dementia and their caregivers to enjoy activities and a break from their normal routine. Additionally, it is an opportunity to socialize and connect with others who are in a similar situation. The activities are provided at no cost; however, some activities may request a donation to cover the cost of supplies.
Paint the Towne, in partnership with Dementia Friends Indiana and LifeStream Services, is offering their Memory Café on the first Monday of the month from 11:00am to 12:00pm at their location at 411 North 8th St., Richmond, IN 47374.
Franklin County Public Libraries and Franklin County Senior Services offers their Memory Café on the fourth Monday of the month from 12:00pm to 2:00pm at Franklin County Senior Citizens Center at 11146 County Park Road, Brookville, IN 47012.
Parenting a Second Time Around (PASTA)
PASTA is an educational and support group for adults doing kinship care, such as grandparents raising grandchildren or an aunt raising a niece or nephew. Being a primary caregiver for grandchildren and/or other children can be both a blessing and a challenge. The expectations of providing care for children, especially when older, can be overwhelming and exhausting. PASTA provides an ideal opportunity for older caregivers to receive assuring, personal support specific for their circumstances.
If you are interested in hosting PASTA or finding a PASTA program near you, please contact Hollyn Neal, Caregiver Programs Coordinator, by calling 765-759-1121 or hneal@lifestreaminc.org.
Powerful Tools for Caregivers
This workshop helps caregivers prioritize their wellbeing and take care of themselves while caring for a friend or a loved one. The class meets once a week for six weeks and has been studied and shown to help family caregivers:
- Reduce stress, guilt, anger, and depression and improve emotional wellbeing.
- Manage time, set goals, and solve problems.
- Master caregiving transitions and be part of decision making.
- Communicate effectively with the person needing care, family members, doctors, and other helpers.
- Find and use community resources.
Interested in participating in Powerful Tools or hosting a workshop? Contact Hollyn Neal, Caregiver Programs Coordinator, by calling 765-759-1121 or hneal@lifestreaminc.org.