Caregiver Support
As a caregiver, it's important to realize that you are not alone. According to AARP, more than 65 million people—29 percent of the U.S. population—provide care for a chronically ill, disabled or aged family member or friend during any given year. They spend an average of 20 hours each week tending to the needs of their loved ones.
If you are caring for a senior and in need of support, or want additional information about caregiver services, call 847.784.6041 or email caregiversupport@nssc.org. You can also complete this assessment form.
Download a printable flyer here. You can also refer to this list of helpful resources.
NSSC can help you by providing:
Resources and Services
We can help you find and access resources and services needed to help care for your family member. These resources and services may include home-delivered meals, housekeeping assistance, homemaker service, adult day service, transportation, House of Welcome Adult Day Program for those with memory loss, referrals to other community agencies, and assistance in applying for public entitlements.
Download a list of community resources here.
Support
We can help you find the emotional support services you may need as the primary caregiver: one-on-one supportive counseling, caregiver support groups, free workshops designed for caregivers, and the opportunity to discuss your issues and concerns with our Caregiver Specialists.
Respite
As the primary caregiver of an older adult who has physical and/or cognitive limitations, you may be eligible to receive respite service—temporary relief from your caregiver responsibilities. For a much-needed break or in the event of a family emergency when there is no back-up family support, respite service may be arranged. Respite can be in-home assistance, adult day service, or a brief stay in a nursing facility.
Our House of Welcome Adult Day Program also provides respite for those caring for an individual with memory loss. Click here to learn more.
Caregiver specialists can be available after hours and on weekends by appointment only. For more information about any of our caregiver resources, please contact our Caregiver Support line at 847.784.6041 or caregiversupport@nssc.org.
Do you provide at least four hours of unpaid assistance to:
- A person age 60 years or older (and you are 18 years or older), OR
- A child age 17 years or younger that is not your biological child (and you are 55 years or older), OR
- A person with a disability age 18-59 years (and you are 55 years or older)?
If you are willing to answer a few questions about your experiences and access to services for family caregivers, click here to participate in a University of Illinois research study.
Funds (in whole/part) for this publication were provided through an award from AgeOptions through funding from the VAC5 Expanding Access to COVID-19 Vaccines grant.