Need a Lift from Family Caregiving?

“There are only four kinds of people in the world – those who have been caregivers, those who are caregivers, those who will be caregivers and those who will need caregivers.”

—Rosalynn Carter

One in four Idahoans is a family caregiver caring for a loved one who is living with a medical, developmental, intellectual, neurological, physical, behavioral or mental condition.

The caregiver’s role can be rewarding and many caregivers state that they wouldn’t have it any other way. At the same time, the many tasks and responsibilities that go along with caregiving can be quite daunting.

These responsibilities can leave caregivers feeling overwhelmed, stuck, grief, sad, isolated, isolated, burned out and lonely, to name a few of the emotions reported by caregivers.

No-Cost Support Groups for Family Caregivers

Are you an adult family caregiver caring for a spouse, a parent, a child, other relative, or a friend?

Do you want to connect with other family caregivers?

Would you like to learn how others are managing their caregiving role?

Do you seek a safe space (no judgment) to talk about your caregiving experience?

Testimonials

“Thank you Stephanie. I think I just wanted to give you praise…You do a great job at taking the lead, and you’re very knowledgeable, and you obviously care a great deal about other people. I guess I just wanted to make sure you got the love and compassion and care that you so naturally give to all of us. I just appreciate your kindness. 😊😊 thank you!!” – K. (support group member)

Join us for monthly support groups:

Through 2025 (every third Tuesday of the month)

In-Person Treasure Valley Area from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. at the Meridian NORCO Building, 1303 S. Silverstone Way, Meridian, ID (near I-84 and Eagle Rd., off of Overland Rd.) on the second floor. In the meantime, email us at janna1024@sbcglobal.net or check FindHelpIdaho.com for other support groups.

Contact: Janna Thoftne

janna1024@sbcglobal.net

How do I know if I am a Family Caregiver and if I need to attend a Family Caregiver Support Group? Check out the lists below!

“Every scar that you have is a reminder not just
that you got hurt, but that you survived. Those
holes we all have in our hearts are what truly
connect us to each other.
They are spaces we can make for other people’s
sorrow and pain, as well as their joy and their
love, so that eventually, instead of feeling empty,
our hearts feel even bigger and fuller.”
-Michelle Obama

Signs you are a Family Caregiver:

You voluntarily help a family member/neighbor/friend with:

Chores (cleaning, laundry, dishes, raking, mowing, etc.)
Transportation to appointments or with errands
Medication management
Managing bills
Cooking
Organizing finances, health insurance, appointments, etc.
Emotional support
Medical care/interventions at home
Daily grooming (getting a shower, getting dressed, etc.)
Conversations with medical and other providers to understand and communicate information about your loved one
Providing companionship
Managing a crisis each time one arises
Navigating multiple systems of care
Many other caring activities

Signs you, the Family Caregiver, need help:

You are wondering if it’s time that you need to do something for yourself, and any of these are occurring:

You are feeling more stress than usual
You are forgetting things more often
You are becoming angry or snapping at others more often
You are feeling overwhelmed or stuck
You need a new direction/goal
You need help with the workload of caregiving
You are in need of medical care or emotional care
You recognize that you have been declining social activities with friends or family members
You are feeling isolated
You are not able to communicate your needs to others who may be willing to help
You tell yourself, “I am a caregiver and I need help.”