For Caregivers
Washington County family caregiver support program
For individuals living in Washington County, the Family Caregiver Support Program provides eligible unpaid family caregivers with resources such as information and referral, short-term respite, options counseling, medical equipment or adaptive aids, support groups, individual counseling, training and education. Click the link below for more information.
Caregiver support group (for washington co.)
If you are a caregiver for someone over 65 years of age (or any age with a diagnosis of dementia) and live in Washington County, you may benefit from attending caregiver support groups. These groups are held three times per month and are a mix of in-person and virtual sessions.
Groups are often topical in nature, and deal with concepts like how you became a caregiver, being an advocate for someone’s needs, ongoing loss and grief, and managing family conflict. Topics are integrated with open discussion in which caregivers share their experiences and offer support to others.
Second Monday of each month, our in-person group meets in Tigard from 1:00 - 2:30 pm.
Second Tuesday virtual group is from 6:00 - 7:30 pm.
Fourth Thursday virtual from 1:00 - 2:30 pm.
Contact me directly if you’d like to attend a Caregiver Support Group or want more information.
caregiver resources
This list is compiled from my own readings and explorations as well as from recommendations by other caregivers (thank you!)
Books:
“Being Mortal” by Atul Gawande
“Can’t We Talk About Something More Pleasant?” by Roz Chast
“My Two Elaines: Learning, Coping, and Surviving as an Alzheimer’s Caregiver” by Martin J. Schreiber
“Floating in the Deep End: How caregivers can see beyond Alzheimer’s” by Patti Davis
“The 36 Hour Day” by Mace and Rabins
Podcasts:
“Twenty-Four Seven: A podcast about caregiving”
“Dementia Care Partner Talk Show with Teepa Snow”
Movies:
“Away From Her” The story of a loving couple’s journey through the wife’s progressive dementia and having to move to long-term care; explores caregiving and the need for emotional intimacy.
“The Father” starring Anthony Hopkins, told from the point of view of a man experiencing early to mid-stage dementia.
“Still Alice” starring Julianne Moore, the story of a woman with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease.
Online:
Positive Approach to Caregiving
Safe Return Programs (for wandering)
Washington County Elder Safe and Help Me Home
Alzheimer's Association Wandering Support
Did you or your care recipient serve in the US Military? You may qualify for services within the Rosalynn Carter Foundation.