Services We Provide

The primary services provided by the Family Caregiver Support Program are:

• Information and Referral to community resources and services;
• Caregiver education on diseases, disease processes and care planning;
• Minor adaptive equipment;
• Caregiver counseling to help with caregiver problem solving and coping skills;
• Comfort therapies such as massage;
• Respite / housework and errands services.

To learn more about this program call (253) 798-4600 or (800) 562-0332.

Services for Relatives Raising Children:
Provided through HopeSparks (formerly the Child and Family Guidance Center)
Provided on a no-cost basis, donations accepted.
Call 253-565-4484.

A variety of support services are available to assist grandparents and other relatives living with and providing primary care to children 18 years of age or younger. Services include: family counseling, summer youth activities, and limited financial assistance to support participation in school / youth activities or to address basic needs (food, clothing, shelter and essential supplies) of an emergent nature.

Dementia Support Services:
Provided through Good Samaritan Community Services.
No cost for services, donations accepted.
Call 253-697-8575 to make a referral.

Dementia assessment and caregiver consultation is provided to assist the caregiver in managing difficult behaviors and improving coping skills.
A general caregiver support group is also available.

Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC):
The ADRC provides information and other resource materials designed to help unpaid caregivers understand their role and provide better care to their loved one. Materials available include pamphlets and brochures, books, and video tapes all at no cost or on loan.

The Resource Center is located at Pierce County Aging & Long Term Care, 3580 Pacific Avenue - 1st Floor North, in Tacoma. For additional information, contact the ADRC at (253) 798-4600.

Caregiving in the U.S. 2009

Caregiving is still mostly a woman's job and many women are putting their career and financial futures on hold as they juggle part-time caregiving and full-time job requirements. This is the reality reported in ''Caregiving in the U.S. 2009,'' the most comprehensive examination to date of caregiving in America.

The sweeping study of the legions of people caring for adults, the elderly and children with special needs reveals that 29% of the U.S. adult population, or 65.7 million people, are caregivers, including 31% of all households. These caregivers provide an average of 20 hours of care per week.

Click here for the report.
Click here for Washington State Caregiving Statistics -2007.
Click here to listen to National Public Radio's story about family caregiving.

Transition Planning

Transitions occur when patients move from one care setting to another, for example, from a hospital to home or rehab facility, or when home care agency services start and end. Patient transitions are often complicated, rushed, and beset by errors or misunderstandings.

Next Step in Care provides information and advice to help family caregivers and health care providers plan safe and smooth transitions for patients.

www.NextStepInCare.org