Free service helps caregivers maintain their own well-being

Are you a caregiver? If you care-without pay-for an older friend or family member or an adult with a disability, then you’re probably under a lot of stress. Between activity planning, meal preparation, managing health care, financial, and/or legal issues, and dealing with challenging behaviors often associated with care situations, you may feel your own life unraveling.

How do you find time for yourself? How do you balance work, caregiving, other family responsibilities, and personal time? And when change occurs, like needing to hire help or select a home care agency or assisted living facility, decision-making really gets difficult. Even professional caregivers need advice and coaching.

Fortunately, help is available and it’s free! Unpaid caregivers can consult with a caregiver specialist by contacting any one of nine agencies in the King County Caregiver Support Network. Free consultations, advice, and coaching, or even respite care (respite services are charged on a sliding fee scale) help you maintain your own well-being and help you to provide even more effective care for a loved one.

The King County Caregiver Support Network is sponsored by Aging and Disability Services, the Area Agency on Aging for Seattle-King County. For more information, visit the website, call toll-free 1-888-4ELDERS, or email.