Adult caregiving in the United States is a significant and growing responsibility. In Florida alone, AARP reports that 2.7 million adults serve as unpaid family caregivers on top of their existing responsibilities. The growing complexity of caregiving affects the caregivers’ own finances, health and well-being. As the Area Agency on Aging and the Aging and Disability Resource Center for Northeast Florida, ElderSource offers a free program aimed at relieving the stresses on local caregivers.
The Tailored Caregiver Assessment and Referral Program (TCARE) is designed to prevent caregiver burnout. Program participants are paired with trained specialists that provide them with strategies to reduce root causes of burnout and develop care plans customized for each caregiver’s unique needs. It is free to participants, as the program is supported by a grant from the Humana Foundation.
TCARE has been a major lifeline for Northeast Florida families since 2021, helping more than 220 caregivers to date. Aside from direct support provided by trained specialists, the program also connects caregivers with community resources that best meet their needs. It's a unique resource that enables caregivers to help loved ones age in place and delay nursing home placement, while also taking care of themselves.
Access to the free TCARE program is available to caregivers who are supporting a loved one who is age 60 or older and resides in Baker, Clay, Duval, Flagler, St. Johns, Nassau or Volusia counties. ElderSource currently has 90 free spots available in the program. Go to MyElderSource.org or call 904-391-6647 to learn more about TCARE and sign up.
