Caregiver Support
Caring for a loved one can be deeply rewarding, but it can also feel overwhelming, stressful, and isolating. If you’re experiencing these challenges, you’re not alone. Recent AARP research shows that nearly 48 million people in the U.S. provide care for a family member or friend facing chronic illness, disability, memory loss, or the natural changes that come with aging.
Whether you are a spouse, sibling, child, grandchild, or another caring family member, you don’t need to navigate caregiving alone. Take our quick caregiver assessment to help identify your needs and discover resources that can ease your journey. Based on your results, we can help create a personalized support plan that may include:
- Assistance at home with light housekeeping, meal preparation, shopping
- One-on-one supportive counseling
- Education and workshops that help you learn ways to prioritize self-care and learn new skills to better care for your loved one
- Support groups, including one for family members; one for spouses and partners; and one for those caring for someone with dementia
- Respite care—a well-deserved break from caregiving duties while your loved one is being cared for at home, an adult day service, or a brief stay in a nursing facility
- Financial assistance
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.
NSSC Can Help You By Providing:
Resources & 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.
Caregiver Support Group for Family Members
If you are caring for a family member, friend, or loved one of any kind, consider joining our Caregiver Support Group for Family Members.
Meets virtually the second Wednesday of the month
3 – 4:30 p.m.
For more information on joining this group, email caregiversupport@nssc.org or call 847.784.6041.
Caregiver Support Group for Spouses & Partners
According to AARP, of the more than 48 million Americans providing unpaid care to an adult age 50 or older, around 12% care for a spouse or partner. Caregiving for a partner can be emotionally draining, physically challenging, and socially isolating.
If you are caring for a spouse with physical and/or cognitive limitations, consider joining our Caregiver Support Group for Spouses & Partners.
Meets virtually the 4th Wednesday of the month 3 – 4:30 p.m.
For more information, email caregiversupport@nssc.org or call 847.784.6041.
Dementia Family Support Group
If you have a loved one living with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of memory loss, consider joining our family support group facilitated by our professional staff at House of Welcome (HOW) Adult Day Services. This welcoming group provides a safe space to discuss challenges, feelings, and share resources.
Dementia Family Support Group
Meets virtually the 3rd Thursday of the month
2:30 – 4 p.m.
For more information on joining this group, email how@nssc.org or call 847.242.6250.
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
NSSC’s Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Program provides information and assistance for older adults who are raising young children. Operated and overseen by case managers in our Niles Senior & Family Services Office, this program provides seniors with emotional support, parenting education, respite and financial counseling/assistance while they navigate the challenges of raising their grandchildren.
Find information here on services and resources NSSC can help provide.
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren support group meets the 2nd Tuesday of the month, 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Fleetwood Jourdain Center
1655 Foster St., Evanston, IL 60201
To learn more about our Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Program, please email Heath Resnick or call 847.424.5671.
House of Welcome Adult Day Program
Using a person-centered approach, House of Welcome’s (HOW) Day Program offers structured, therapeutic, small-group activities in a comfortable, home-like setting. Creative arts therapies are a unique feature of our programming. Participants enjoy meaningful activities and friendships, while caregivers benefit from time on their own. Family caregivers are also provided supportive case management services.
Parkinson's Disease Support Group
The Parkinson’s Support Group provides information and encouragement in dealing with common concerns and issues for people living with PD. Family caregivers are also welcome to attend.
Meets the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month from 2 to 3 p.m.
For more information, please email Diane or call 847.784.6040.
Respite for the Caregiver
As the primary caregiver of an older adult who has physical and/or cognitive limitations, you may be eligible to receive respite services—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 for people living with memory loss, or a brief stay in a nursing facility.
Eligibility requirements:
- Must be age 60 or older or has a diagnosis of dementia or other degenerative condition
- Must reside with family caregiver or receives significant care from a family member
- Must reside in Evanston, or the townships of Maine, New Trier, Niles, or Northfield
- There is some indication of caregiver stress
- Must be open to a NSSC care coordinator and have had a comprehensive care coordination assessment in the past 12 months
To learn more, email caregiversupport@nssc.org or call 847.784.6041. You can also complete this assessment form.
