IPMR: Caregiver Services

IPMR helps families so they can continue home care for those they love. Our caregiver services include education, respite, in-home services and emotional support.

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Learn more about the help and resources available to caregivers. Call us at 800-957-4767.

1 in 4 American adults serves as a caregiver to others. For some, it may be part-time or occasional assistance. For those whose spouse has dementia or other chronic condition, it may be a 24 hour-a-day activity.

Long-term caregivers risk “compassion fatigue.” Caregivers sometimes ignore their own health and well-being. Extreme levels of stress are common, and caregivers may suffer depression and physical exhaustion.

IPMR has several programs to help caregivers manage the daily responsibilities of care. For an individual who needs increasing amounts of care due to memory problems, an accurate diagnosis from a memory disorders program may be the first step. Senior World offers daytime respite, support groups, education and information for caregivers. The staff are very knowledgeable about resources available to families in central Illinois.

One of the best ways to reduce stress is a regular exercise regimen. IPMR offers a number of exercise classes as well as opportunities for independent exercise to fit crowded schedules.

Resources for Caregivers

IPMR, in conjunction with a grant from the Central Illinois Agency on Aging, produced two important resources for caregivers. Caregiving 101: Caring for the Physical Needs of Someone at Home is a comprehensive manual on the physical aspects of caring for someone: personal care, nutrition, basic medical assessment, safety, mobility and more. Written by an M.D. and a psychologist, it contains evidence-based information on how to perform caregiving tasks for which many caregivers are not trained. It is not a substitute for medical care, but acknowledges that day-to-day care at home is done by family who cannot call a medical provider several times a day with questions.

Caring for Your Back While You Care for Someone You Love is a 10-minute companion video (VHS or DVD) on mobility and body mechanics.

If you live in Peoria, Tazewell, Woodford, Marshall, Stark or Fulton Counties in Illinois, please call Senior World at (309) 495-4530 to receive your copy. If you live outside this area, Download a form to order either of these resources.