When we talk about senior care, the focus is often on the person receiving help. But behind many older adults is a caregiver quietly doing the daily work that makes independence possible.

Caregivers may help with Activities of Daily Living, often called ADLs, such as bathing, dressing, eating, walking, toileting, or transferring safely from one place to another. They may also help with errands, meals, transportation, medications, appointments, household tasks, and emotional support.

The challenge is that many caregivers do not think of themselves as “caregivers.” They may say, “I’m just helping Mom,” or “That’s what family does.” But caregiving is real work, and it can be physically, emotionally, and financially demanding.

That is why respite care and caregiver support are so important. Respite care simply means temporary relief for the caregiver. It allows a trusted person or program to step in for a few hours, a full day, overnight, or sometimes longer so the caregiver can rest, work, run errands, attend appointments, or recharge.

Respite care can look different for every family. It may include an in-home aide, an adult day program, a short-term stay in a senior living community, or help from a friend, neighbor, church volunteer, or family member. It is not about “giving up” caregiving. It is about making caregiving sustainable.

Support groups can also be a lifeline. They give caregivers a place to ask questions, share frustrations, learn practical tips, and connect with people who truly understand. For those caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia, support groups can be especially helpful because the journey can feel isolating without the right guidance.

A few ways to support the caregiver include:

• Schedule regular breaks before burnout sets in.
• Create a shared calendar so others can help with specific tasks.
• Explore adult day programs or in-home care options.
• Ask family members to take on transportation, meals, errands, or paperwork.
• Join a caregiver support group, either locally or online.
• Look into programs that may pay eligible family caregivers.

Local resources worth knowing include:

• Givers helps family caregivers explore whether they may qualify to be paid for caring for a loved one. In Ohio, some Medicaid programs may allow eligible family members to receive compensation when caring for someone who needs help with daily activities. The Givers offers an online eligibility check and helps guide families through the process.
• Direction Home Akron Canton supports older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers throughout Summit, Portage, Stark, and Wayne counties. Their Aging and Disability Resource Center can help families understand available services, request assessments, and connect with support such as personal care, homemaker services, meals, emergency response systems, and caregiver resources.
• Alzheimer’s Association Greater East Ohio Chapter offers education, support groups, local resources, and a 24/7 helpline for families caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia.

Caregivers make aging in place possible for so many families. By recognizing their role and connecting them with support, we help protect not only the well-being of older adults, but also the well-being of the people who love and care for them.