Caregivers - Talk to Us, We Can Help
There are many rewards to caregiving although caregivers may also feel:
- overwhelmed
- person they care for won’t cooperate
- financial burdens
- family conflict
- loss of personal time and privacy
- isolated from friends/family
- stress from juggling job, family, and caregiving responsibility
Caregivers often put their loved one first, neglecting themselves physically, mentally and emotionally.
Caregivers often experience challenging emotions such as anxiety, guilt, depression, anger, and frustration. It's important for caregivers to care for themselves, and it's not selfish to do so. Licensed social workers, known as support counselors, provide confidential one-on-one counseling to help caregivers understand and manage their feelings, offering strength and hope.
Caregivers who received counseling reported feeling less stressed, more supported, confident, and reassured that their feelings were normal. The Caregiver Resource Center offers free, confidential support from professional counselors, who can meet at a convenient time and place. A voluntary contribution of $25 is appreciated to help defray costs.
Erie County Department of Senior Services (716) 858-8526
95 Franklin St. — Room 1329, Buffalo, NY 14202
website: erie.gov/seniorservices e-mail: caregiver@erie.gov
The Administration on Aging and the NYS Office for the Aging help bring these key programs to our community.