Family caregivers are relatives, friends, neighbors, partners, and others who stand by those they love, providing continuous daily care, in the face of chronic illness, disability or the frailties of decline and aging. Today, many people with long-term care needs can remain in their homes and maintain their independence only because of the assistance they receive from their family caregivers.

Eighty per-cent of all caregiving is actually done by family members, not social service agencies, nursing homes or government programs. Family caregivers provide a patchwork of essential but unpaid personal services daily. Caregiving may go on for a few years or for a lifetime. It often feels like a very lonely, isolating experience, but... it doesn't have to be!

For thirteen years now, Polk Family Caregivers has provided advocacy, educational programs, information, resources and the opportunity for family caregivers to learn from both experts and others facing the same concerns and issues they have. This provides an opportunity to become better prepared for the role and responsibility of being a family caregiver.

In addition to offering a wide variety of help at navigating the healthcare maze and other common dilemmas that come along with caregiving, Polk Family Caregivers encourages caregivers to live a healthier lifestyle to protect their own health - because when caregivers take care of themselves, they are better prepared to care for their loved ones.

Whatever your needs as you go through the caregiving journey, we are here to assist you. Just remember... help begins here.