Why Caregiver Counseling Helps

Are you feeling overwhelmed with the demands of caregiving? Alzheimer’s Family Center (AFC) can help. Thanks to a generous grant from Archstone Foundation, AFC can now offer caregivers help on a more personal level.

Caregivers & Depression

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, caregivers provide an estimated 18.4 billion hours of caring annually. By providing respite for almost all hours of the day, it leaves little room for them to care for themselves. A 2006 study found that up to 70% of family caregivers suffer from depression.  Speaking to a therapist allows a space for people to express their emotions, whether it be grief or guilt.

What Can I Expect from Caregiver Counseling?

At AFC, we strive to care for the families as we do for the patients. We understand that it’s hard to see a loved one go through this terrible disease, and we want to provide as much assistance as possible. Caregiver counseling is just one of our latest programs that will provide caregivers with additional support.

For 50 minutes, caregivers will sit down with a licensed therapist to determine proper goals for therapy. Some of the biggest benefits of counseling are:

1. Develop tools to handle stress, frustration, and anger.
2. Free yourself from emotional pain and destructive habits.
3. Get support and understanding for your role as a caregiver.
4. Overcome sadness, grief, and guilt.
5. Work through conflict.
6. Improve your health and mental and emotional well-being.

Coverage & Affordability

The first four counseling sessions are free. If you would like to continue services beyond those sessions, the program is covered under Medicare, the VA, and other insurance providers. Out of pocket options are available as well. Your therapist can discuss all funding options with you at your initial phone consultation.

Support Groups

If you wish to discuss your concerns in more of a group setting, AFC offers free caregiver support groups every 2^nd and 4^th Wednesday of the month. Facilitated by a compassionate dementia care expert, our support groups are a safe place to connect with others and feel understood and supported. Everything shared in the group is kept strictly confidential.

You do not need to have a loved one enrolled at AFC to attend caregiver counseling or support groups. All that is required is being a caregiver of someone with cognitive impairment. For more information, you may visit our website or call (714) 593-9630.