Caregiver Support

The impact of informal or unpaid caregivers in our community is immeasurable. Every day, family members, friends, neighbors and other caring individuals help their loved ones get to medical appointments, pick up their groceries, manage their paperwork and remember to take their medicine.

These are just a few of the tasks that allow older adults and people with mental and physical disabilities to remain independent in their homes. MARC’s Aging and Adult Services department acknowledges the valuable contribution of caregivers in our community and offers an array of services and supports to meet their unique needs.

Services for Caregivers

Information and Referral

Not sure where to start? Advocates are available to help you develop a care plan for your loved one, as well as connect you to helpful resources and services, such as transportation, home-delivered meals, home repairs, legal advice and more. Call 816-421-4980, and let them know you’re a caregiver.

Training

Looking to increase your caregiving knowledge and skills? MARC offers two different evidence-based programs specific to the needs of caregivers: Building Better Caregivers and AMP for Caregivers. Find a FREE upcoming class here.

Respite

Need a break? MARC offers a free adult day program, called Breaktime Club, at locations throughout the community. Caregivers can drop off their loved ones in a safe environment where meaningful activities are provided. Breaktme Club locations:

Are you the Primary caregiver of a child under the age of 18? GRANDPass (Español) gives caregivers age 55+ the opportunity to send their children to a free week of summer camp at approved locations. Eligibility varies by age of children and camp location. Apply here.

Need relief from caregiving duties at home? MARC contracts with licensed in-home service agencies to provide non-medical care to older adults and individuals with disabilities. The goal of this program is to give caregivers much-needed time off from daily caregiving tasks, such as meal preparation, light housekeeping and personal care. Call 816-421-4980 to apply. The following caregivers are eligible:

Caregivers age 18+ of adults age 60+
Caregivers age 18+ of adults any age with dementia
Caregivers age 55+ of adults with disabilities age 18-59

How to Care for Caregivers - a Toolkit for Employers

How to Care for Caregivers: A Toolkit for Improving Workplace Policies and Practices provides guidance to employers for best practices for supporting family caregivers. It describes what family caregiving is, who does it, why employer support is important and how employers can best provide that support.

Download the Toolkit here