caregivers

Caring for a parent, spouse, or other loved one can be a 24/7 job that is emotionally, physically and financially difficult. That’s why AARP works tirelessly to support family caregivers, striving to make your big responsibilities a little bit easier.

The Michigan CARE Act, which provides support for the state's 2 million caregivers, had its first legislative hearing on Sept. 29.

"Elaine was a vibrant, hard-working Mom whose life was taken too early due to complications from Alzheimer's.Our last few years were very difficult as we moved through the stages of the disease, but we hung in there and did the best we could to make her safe and comfortable. We made sure that we told her we loved her several times each and every day."

Every day, a silent army of Americans performs a great labor of love: caring for aging parents, spouses, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, friends... so they can remain in their homes.

Christine Caswell of Lansing cared for her handicapped parents while attending law school in her mid-40’s. Her father took a nasty fall and ended up in a nursing home. She took care of her mother in her mother’s home, in her own home and in hospice. Her mom died the day Christine received her new law license number.

"Finding Calm as a Caregiver," a program addressing the challenges and joys of caregiving, will be offered by the Caregiver Resource Network from 1 to 3:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 7 at 3215 Eaglecrest Drive NE, Grand Rapids.