Caregiver Support Services

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OCcares

AGING TRANSITIONS

OC CARES

OC-CARES-LOGO_TransparentOrange County Caregiver Awareness, Respite, Education & Support (OC CARES) is proud to offer both individualized and community level supports to caregivers. Please reach out to the Aging Information Helpline at 919-968-2087 or AgingTransitions@orangecountync.gov for more information.

Caregiver Supports are now available both online and in person!  See details below in the ‘Individualized’ and ‘Community’ tabs for up-to-date information about upcoming program options. For more information and assistance email the Aging Transitions team or call 919-968-2087.

  • For more caregiver resources, sign up for the monthly Community News for Caregivers e-newsletter.
  • Tips for Caregivers from Caregivers (PDF). This publication provides the top ten tips experienced caregivers would give to new caregivers in their own words. It is meant to be an accessible document with quick takeaways for anyone who may find themselves in a caregiving position.

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Individual

AGING TRANSITIONS

Individualized Opportunities

Activity Engagement Coaching

It can sometimes be challenging to find ways to keep loved ones with dementia engaged throughout the day. For caregivers connected to our various dementia support programs, we are offering one-on-one consultations where we can brainstorm with you to identify enjoyable activities that are meaningful, person-centered, and appropriately modified to the current level of cognitive ability.

Consultations

Schedule an opportunity to speak with a caregiver or dementia support specialist regarding your specific caregiving situation.

Counseling Services

Our team of social workers are available to work with older adults and caregivers for brief counseling services, free of charge. We can work with you on issues including anxiety, depression, caregiver stress and loneliness. Contact the Aging Helpline (919) 968-2087 or agingtransitions@orangecountync.gov) for more information.

Dementia-Caregiving Coaching

Our social worker and occupational therapist team are available to support you through challenging situations that may arise along the dementia-caregiving journey.

Memory Screenings

Schedule a time with our MOCA Certified staff to complete a screening and learn more about you or a loved one’s specific areas of cognitive strength and challenge.

Options Counseling

Trained Options Counselors provide guidance to individuals as they make informed choices about long-term services and supports.

In-Home Assistance Resources

Information about where and how to hire help at home. To learn more, visit Aging in Place Support (see In-Home Assistance). 

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Community

AGING TRANSITIONS

Community Opportunities

Caregiver E-Newsletter

Community News for Caregivers’ is a monthly email newsletter that provides information on upcoming events, relevant community topics, and related resources. Sign up for the Community News for Caregivers e-newsletter.

Caregiver Programming 

OC CARES (Orange County Caregiver Awareness, Respite, Education & Support) is proud to offer programming for Orange County caregivers. Please reach out to the Aging Information Helpline at 919-968-2087 or AgingTransitions@orangecountync.gov for more information or registration. We are currently offering both virtual and in-person programming. Please register at least 1 day prior to the meeting.

  • R Place- A robust social engagement program based on the Respite for All model that runs on volunteer-power! People Living with Brain Change spend the day engaged with friends and volunteers, while care partners take care of their own needs. Contact Alison Smith at alsmith@orangecountync.gov to learn more.
  • Caregiver Support Group: Meeting with other caregivers to share experiences, learn new skills, and get answers to questions about dementia and other long-term disabilities. 
  • Memory Cafe @ R Place: Join us for a free, fun, low stress social engagement opportunity for people living with dementia and their care partners. Contact Alison Smith at alsmith@orangecountync.gov or 919-245-4251 for more information or to register.
  • Dementia Basics – What Can We Expect? - This four-part series (offered quarterly at locations around Orange County) is designed to provide basic information about dementia to individuals with memory concerns, caregivers, family members, friends, and interested community members. Each week will focus on a different topic related to dementia. The series is designed to be taken all together, but you are welcome to register for individual sessions.

Dementia Friendly Communities

A free education program for local businesses and organizations that provides them with awareness and resources to better support clientele who are living with dementia.

If you would like to request a Dementia Friendly training, email the Aging Transitions Team or call 919-968-2087.

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