Caregiver Program Experiences Success In Year Two

As the free “Care for the Caregiver” series “Empowering your Caregiving Journey” concludes its second successful year, Wyoming caregivers celebrate its invaluable support statewide. Hosted in Cheyenne, Sheridan, Casper, and Newcastle - attendance has doubled this year, drawing interest from national and state organizations eager to replicate this community-focused program. Created by AARP Wyoming and local partners, this series offers a lifeline to caregivers who often feel they face the weight of their responsibilities alone.

This year’s program was marked by significant milestones. Stella Montano, AARP Wyoming Volunteer State President, who co-founded and pioneered the series in Sheridan, recently presented to AARP National in Washington, D.C., sharing insights on how the program could serve as a national model for other states. The Wyoming VA has also taken note- planning to record sessions for statewide online access.

One key component of the series’ success is the respite care provided on-site, which allows caregivers to bring their loved ones along. Volunteers tailor the respite support to match each individual’s needs, creating a welcoming environment for socialization and engagement. This not only helps caregivers find peace of mind during the sessions but also provides their loved ones with valuable social connections.

Each session covers essential topics, with presentations by local experts on subjects such as legal and financial planning, safety and mobility, caregiver brain health, and veterans benefits. Caregivers are equipped with information to proactively consider long-term care and end-of-life planning. By preparing in advance, care can align more closely with individual and family wishes, helping to avoid last-minute decision-making in a crisis. This practical knowledge empowers caregivers and helps them feel more prepared for the challenges ahead.

According to Stella Montano, it’s the combination of community and the simple comfort of a meal that has made the program so impactful. Local businesses play a crucial role in this, sponsoring the meals and giving caregivers a break from cooking. With no RSVP required, the series is designed to be as accessible as possible, recognizing the unpredictable demands caregivers face. This open-door approach has led to strong engagement, with more than 60 of the 70 attendees this year attending multiple sessions, often staying afterward to connect with each other.

An essential aspect of the series is helping participants view themselves as “caregivers,” a distinct role rather than just a family duty. Through these workshops, caregivers begin to understand their role as one that can benefit from support, training, and community. This shift empowers them to connect with local resources, helping them care for their loved ones while also taking care of themselves.

“Care for the Caregiver” has evolved into more than a program; it’s a transformative community where caregivers find strength, support, and understanding through shared stories and connections. Wyoming is leading the way in empowering caregivers, demonstrating how local collaboration and accessible resources can profoundly impact those who care for others. The series has created ripple effects in the lives of its participants, and by expanding this model across Wyoming and beyond- we can continue to care for caregivers everywhere- ensuring they have the resources, knowledge and encouragement they need to thrive.