Resources for Caregivers
Alternative & Assisted Living Advice
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For disabilities - Disability Network of Wayne County
313-923-1655 | https://disabilitynetworkwcd.org/ -
For Mental Health - (DWIHN) Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network (24/7)
800-241-4949 | https://www.dwihn.org/ -
For Seniors - Oasis Senior Advisors of North Metro Detroit
586-596-8523 | https://www.oasissenioradvisors.com/
Advanced Illness Support
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AccentCare - hospice, comfort care, pain management, etc.
800-370-8592 | https://www.accentcare.com/
Diagnosis & Treatment Planning
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For Neurological conditions - (MIND) Michigan Institute of Neurological Disorders
734-785-7700 | https://www.guidance-center.org/ccbhc/ -
For Mental Health conditions - The Guidance Center
248-553-0010 | https://mindonline.com/
End of Life Guidance
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Howe-Peterson Funeral Home
313-291-0900 | https://www.howepeterson.com/ -
JOeY Foundation - Grief Support
734-672-1901 | https://joeyfoundation.org/
&
Financial Help
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2-1-1 Utilities, housing, goods, clothes, food, & transportation (24/7)
Call or text 2-1-1 | https://unitedwaysem.org/get-help/
Food Assistance
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Fish & Loaves - Grocery store type of food pantry, as well as homeless shelter
734-442-0031 | https://www.loavesandfishes-stl.org/get-help
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Legal Aid
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Elder Law of Michigan - focuses on those with disabilities, elders, & their caretakers
866-400-9164 | https://www.elderlawofmi.org/
Mental Health Crisis
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9-8-8 HelpLine to call for youself or someone else (24/7)
Call or text 9-8-8 | https://988lifeline.org/
Respite - Temporary Relief
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CarePRN - (24/7) temporary, non-medical care for 18+
313-736-4690 | https://careprn.com/
Social Engagement Opportunities
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For disabilities - (STEP) Services To Enhance Potential
734-718-0483 | https://stepcentral.org/ -
For mental health - Perfect Place Drop In Center
734-250-7943 | https://www.perfectplacedropincenter.org/ -
For Seniors - Alzheimer Association Bruce & Rosalie Rosen Community Connect Program
800-272-3900 | https://www.alz.org/social-engagement
Tips for Supporting A Loved One and Yourself
Caring for someone with a neurological disorder, cancer, or mental health struggles is a powerful act of love. It can feel rewarding, demanding, and overwhelming. Use these practical tips to help your loved one and, just as importantly, to care for yourself.
For Your Loved One:
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Listen - simply being present and allowing them to talk about their feelings without: judgement, taking it personally, or trying to fix it.
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Gently encourage professional help - If our AC broke, we would call a repairman. We should do the same when we are feeling broken.
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Educate yourself - learn more about their specific condition so you can understand their viewpoint and learn better ways to communicate.
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Offer practical support - don’t do everything for them and don’t keep pushing them.
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Guide them - by example and gentle conversations.
For Yourself:
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Prioritize - when you get overwhelmed, you can take it out on others. Don’t forget to make time to de-stress and recharge.
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Connect - you are not alone. There are others in similar situations and many more that want to help or simply have conversation with you. It’s a lonely world for everyone.
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Talk - helping out goes both ways. Talk openly about your feelings, needs, and boundaries.
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Have grace - not just for your loved one, but for yourself. It is normal to feel stressed, resentful, or guilty. Feel it, process it, and let it go. It doesn’t help the situation and could make it worse.
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Seek help - whether it’s talking to someone or asking for help with a task, people like to feel needed. You’re not just helping your loved one, you are also helping the person helping you.