“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 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.
If you have questions or want to learn more about LifeStream’s STEP In Caregiver Programs, please contact our Caregiver Programs Coordinators.
Blackford, Delaware, Grant, Henry, Jay, Madison, and Randolph counties
Tia Drumm
765-759-1121 ext. 101
stepin@lifestreaminc.org
Fayette, Franklin, Rush, Union, and Wayne counties
765-759-1121
stepin@lifestreaminc.org
National Caregivers Month Event
LifeStream Services wants to celebrate YOU!
If you step in to provide help or assistance to a friend, family member, or loved one – you’re a caregiver!
Please join us for the 2024 National Caregivers Month Event! The purpose of this event is to recognize nonprofessional caregivers and care partners for all they do and give them an opportunity to laugh and take time for themselves.
We are honored to welcome Sky Sands – facilitator, educator, entertainer and “EnterTrainer” as this year’s speaker offering comedy, magic and motivational components. Mixing magic, audience participation, impressions and fast paced improvisation, one would not call what Sky does a “show,” but rather a unique experience.
With over 10 years of experience, Sky has honed his craft to an art…one that he still embraces each time he’s on stage, regardless of the audience size or location. Sky says “Fun is Fun!”
Community Caregiver Events
Throughout the year, LifeStream hosts events and runs 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 ABC 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. The 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 our Care Coaches at 800-589-1121.
STEP In Care Team Resource Binder
LifeStream Services is thrilled to provide caregivers and care partners with a resource binder that is an organizational tool used to prepare in the case that someone else may need to step in and provide care—either temporarily or permanently—and to empower caregivers who help with care needs.
Individuals who may need to step in could include another family member, a professional caregiver, a neighbor, or a friend. All of these care partners make up your care team. The binder is meant to be a helpful and important resource, not to add to your full plate.
Caregiver Kits
LifeStream is pleased to offer Caregiver Kits at various community partner locations. The goal of these kits is to help caregivers get connected with resources to help maintain a good quality of life, as well as increase interaction between the caregiver and person with care needs. Caregiver kits have different themes, and are geared towards individuals living with Dementia, Parkinson’s, and in Kinship care and their caregiver. These kits consist of topic-specific books and resources for the caregiver, as well as activities for the caregiver and person they care for to enjoy together. Caregivers will be given a keepsake packet of resources and handouts to keep upon returning the kit, courtesy of LifeStream Services
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.
Caregiver Gatherings
Caregiver Gatherings are a time for caregivers and care partners to come together and take a break, enjoy food, share resources, and support one another. This event is for anyone who is providing care in any way, shape, or form. Whether you live with an individual with care needs and provide 24/7 care, pick up medications for a friend, take your neighbor to their appointments, or anything in between, you are welcome to attend!
Caregiver Resource Guide
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 for those who STEP In to caregiving.
LifeStream’s STEP In Caregiver Programs are a comprehensive way to educate and support family caregivers, care partners, and people with care needs. Caregiver Memory Kits, resource binders, support groups, and evidence-based programs are just a few of the ways LifeStream is here to help you STEP In to caregiving.
Caregiver Resources
LifeStream has partnered locations throughout our 12-county service area to provide you with a number of caregiver support resources including Caregiver Kits, Care Team Resource Binders, Monthly Memory Cafés, Monthly Caregiver Gatherings (support groups), and more.
Click on your county below to see which locations have resources available to you.
- Yorktown Public Library – 8920 W. Adaline St., Yorktown, IN 47396
- Caregiver Kits: Memory, Parkinson, PASTA
- Care Team Resource Binders
- The Woodlands – 3820 W. Jackson St., Muncie, IN 47304
- Caregiver Kits: Memory
- Care Team Resource Binders
- Muncie Public Library (Kennedy Library) – 1700 W.Mcgalliard Rd., Muncie, IN 47304
- Caregiver Kits: Memory
- Muncie Public Library (Maring-Hunt Library) – 2005 S. High St., Muncie, IN 47302
- Caregiver Kits: Memory
- Fayette County Senior Center – 477 N. Grand Ave., Connersville, IN 47331
- Caregiver Kits: Memory, Parkinson’s
- Care Team Resource Binders
- Harvey Law Office – 324 N. Central Ave., connersville, IN 47331
- Caregiver Kits: Memory, Parkinson’s
- Care Team Resource Binders
- Neighborhood Health Center – 2025 Virginia Ave., Connersville, IN 47331
- Care Team Resource Binders
- Reid Health Primary & Specialty Care – 3542 Western Ave., Connersville, IN 47331
- Caregiver Kits: Parkinson’s
- Franklin County Public Library District (Brookville) – 919 Main St., Brookville, IN 47012
- Caregiver Kits: Memory, Parkinson’s, PASTA
- Care Team Resource Binder
- Monthly Memory Café: 4th Monday of each month from 4:30–5:30 p.m. Register by calling (765) 647 4031.
- Franklin County Public Library District (Laurel) – 200 Clay St., Laurel, IN 47024
- Caregiver Kits: Memory, Parkinson’s, PASTA
- Care Team Resource Binder
- Reid Health Primary & Specialty Care – 11051 State Road 101, Brookville, IN 47012
- Care Team Resource Binders
- Marion Public Library – 600 S. Washington St., Marion, IN 46953
- Caregiver Kits: Memory
- Fairmount Public Library – 217 S. Main St., Fairmount, IN 46928
- Caregiver Kits: Memory
- Care Team Resource Binders
- Marion-Grant County Senior Center – 503 S. Gallatin St., Marion, IN 46953
- Caregiver Kits: Memory
- Care Team Resource Binders
- New Castle-Henry County Library – 376 S. 15th St., New Castle, IN 47362
- Caregiver Kits: Memory, Parkinson
- Care Team Resource Binders
- Jay County Public Library – 315 N. Ship St., Portland, IN 47371
- Caregiver Kits: Memory
- Anderson Public Library – 111 E. 12th St., Anderson, IN 46016
- Caregiver Kits: Memory, Parkinson, PASTA
- Anderson Impact Center – 630 Nichol Ave., Anderson, IN 46016
- Care Team Resource Binders
- Elwood Public Library – 1600 Main St., Elwood, IN 46036
- Caregiver Kits: Memory
- Care Team Resource Binders
- Frankton Community Library – 102 S. Church St., Frankton, IN 46044
- Caregiver Kits: Memory
- Care Team Resource Binders
- Ralph E. Hazelbaker Library – 1013 W. Church St., Summitville, IN 46070
- Caregiver Kits: Memory
- Care Team Resource Binders
- Winchester Community Library – 125 N. East St., Winchester, IN 47394
- Caregiver Kits: Memory, Parkinson, PASTA
- Care Team Resource Binders
- Farmland Public Library – 116 S. Main St., Farmland, IN 47340
- Caregiver Kits: Memory, Parkinson, PASTA
- Care Team Resource Binders
- Rush County Senior Citizens Services – 1850 N. Main St., Suite D, Rushville, IN 46173
- Caregiver Kits: Memory, Parkinson’s
- Care Team Resource Binders
- Monthly Memory Café: 2nd Thursday of each month from 10–11 a.m. Register by calling (765) 932-2935
- Rushville Public Library – 130 W. 3rd St., Rushville, IN 46173
- Caregiver Kits: Memory, Parkinson’s, PASTA
- Care Team Resource Binders
- Purdue Extension Rush County – 101 E. 2nd St. #103, Rushville, IN 46173
- Caregiver Kits: Memory, Parkinson’s, PASTA
- Care Team Resource Binders
- Union County Public Library – 2 E. Seminary St., Liberty, IN 47353
- Caregiver Kits: Memory, Parkinson’s, PASTA
- Care Team Resource Binders
- Neighborhood Health Center – Union County Medical Center – 950 N. Market St., Liberty, IN 47353
- Care Team Resource Binders
- Pizza King – 201 N. Main St., Liberty, IN 47353
- Monthly Caregiver Gathering: 2nd Tuesday of each month from 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Register by calling (765) 759-1121 or by emailing stepin@lifestreaminc.org.
- Richmond Senior Recreation Center – 1600 S. 2nd St., Richmond, IN 47374
- Caregiver Kits: Memory, Parkinson’s
- Care Team Resource Binders
- Morrisson-Reeves Library – 80 N. 6th St., Richmond, IN 47374
- Caregiver Kits: Memory, Parkinson’s, PASTA
- Neighborhood Health Center Clinic – 101 S. 10th St., Richmond, IN 47374
- Care Team Resources Binders
- Reid Health North Complex – 1751 Chester Rd., Richmond, IN 47374
- Caregiver Kits: Parkinson’s
- Strengthening Families – Wayne County Family Resource Center – 714 N. 12th St., Richmond, IN 47374
- Care Team Resource Binders
- Early Head Start – 1900 S. L St., Richmond, IN 47374
- Caregiver Kits: PASTA
- Hand-in-Hand Adult Day Center – 2727 E. Main St., Richmond, IN 47374
- Care Team Resource Binders
- Help at Home – 650 Progress Dr., Richmond, IN 47374
- Caregiver Kits: Memory, Parkinson’s
- Care Team Resource Binders
- Brickyard Healthcare – Golden Rule Care Center – 2330 Straightline Pike, Richmond, IN 47374
- Caregiver Kits: Memory
- Care Team Resource Binders
- Paint the Towne – 411 N. 8th St., Richmond, IN 47374
- Monthly Memory Café: 1st Monday of each month from 11 a.m.–12 p.m. Register by calling (765) 488-2163 or by visiting dementiafriendsindiana.org/events
- Firehouse BBQ & Blues – 400 N. 8th St., Richmond, IN 47374
- Monthly Caregiver Gathering: Last Wednesday of each month from 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Register by calling (765) 759-1121 or by emailing stepin@lifestreaminc.org
- Hagerstown Jefferson Township Library – 10 W. College St., Hagerstown, IN 47346
- Caregiver Kits: Memory, Parkinson’s
- Care Team Resource Binders
- Cambridge City Public Library – 600 W. Main St., Cambridge City, IN 47327
- Caregiver Kits: Memory, Parkinson’s
- Care Team Resource Binders
- Centerville Public Library – 126 E. Main St., Centerville, IN 47330
- Caregiver Kits: Memory, Parkinson’s
- Care Team Resource Binders
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.
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 our Caregiver Programs Coordinators at stepin@lifestreaminc.org
Powerful Tools for Caregivers
This workshop helps caregivers prioritize their well-being 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 well-being.
- 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 our Caregiver Programs Coordinators at stepin@lifestreaminc.org