Providing care for a loved one can be both rewarding and challenging

Caregiving comes in many different forms; it can range from simple tasks, such as occasionally helping with bill payments or grocery shopping, to the arduous task of being on-call 24/7 to provide hands-on care whenever needed. Caregiving often occurs from a distance due to loved ones living far apart from their support system. A "long distance" caregiver provides care through phone calls, online bill payments and various other ways; while they are not physically with their loved ones every day, they are still providing care the best way they can.

Whatever the case may be with your personal situation, it is important to recognize you are not alone. Caregivers are often so focused on the care they are providing to their family member or friend that they fail to take the time to also properly care for themselves; this self-neglect puts the caregiver's health at risk by becoming emotionally and physically exhausted.

We want you to know that there is an entire caregiver community ready to offer emotional support and resources to help you stay healthy and strong. If you are a caregiver for a loved one, near or far, you are already doing one of the most important and toughest jobs in your life; you deserve some support in your corner and that is what you will find here.

TCARE Program

TCARE Program

Better care starts with self care

TCARE (Tailored Caregiver Assessment and Referral) is a caregiver assessment tool that focuses on the needs of the family caregiver. Through a series of questions, we can determine those areas of stress that can lead to caregiver burnout. After an assessment has been completed, one of our Caregiver Care Managers will develop an individualized care plan to help the family caregiver manage their role and identity as a caregiver. Our staff will help get you connected to local support groups, counseling, caregiver support and education, financial assistance, benefits counseling, and respite to reduce stressors.

Interested in learning more or have a referral to pass along, please contact Linda Wright, Aging Supports & Services Supervisor, at lwright@swirca.org or (812) 492-7443.

Observation from a SWIRCA Team Leader:

"This program continues to be a lifeline for caregivers facing the daily challenges of supporting loved ones with dementia and other chronic conditions. We've seen caregivers go from feeling overwhelmed and isolated to finding peace of mind simply by having someone to talk to, access to education, and connection to support groups and programs like the Memory Café.

For some, mental and emotional health has improved dramatically within just a few months, even when caregiving responsibilities remain the same. Others have shared that they finally feel heard and understood-some for the first time in their journey. Whether it's building confidence, reducing stress, or simply being reminded to care for themselves, TCARE is helping caregivers feel supported, empowered, and less alone."

Caregiver Support Group

The Caregiver Support Group (not Dementia-related) meets the second Wednesday of every month at 3 p.m. at SWIRCA. You do not need to register to attend these sessions. This is a safe place to discuss the stresses, challenges and rewards of providing care for a loved one.

For more information, please contact Linda Wright at 812-492-7443 or Lwright@swirca.org

Virtual Caregiver Support Group

Can't make it out to SWIRCA for our Caregiver Support Group? Join us virtually the third Tuesday of every month at 2pm. Contact Linda Wright at LWright@SWIRCA.org for the Zoom link.

Dementia Caregiver Support Group

This group meets at the same time as the Living with Dementia Support Group. The caregivers meet in the Craig Conference Room at SWIRCA while those living with Dementia meet with the Living with Dementia Support Group in the Exercise Room of our Activity Center.

Both groups meet the last Monday of every month from 2-3pm.