In support of caregivers

Your children are always your children. Whether they are four years old or forty, you worry about them and care for them.  For parents of children with disabilities, they can be life-long caregivers.  Great Bay Services has always been proud to be a part of our members' Circles of Support.  In this past year, more than ever, we have seen the overwhelming love and support that our members receive from their parents, families and guardians.

It is important that people also care for the caregivers.  Below are some resources that may be valuable:

​Caregiver Action Network the nation’s leading family caregiver organization working to improve the quality of life for the more than 90 million Americans who care for loved ones with chronic conditions, disabilities, disease, or the frailties of old age.  www.caregiveraction.org 

The Family Caregiver Alliance offers strategies and support for your well-being as a caregiver. www.caregiver.org

The Administration for Community Living was created around the fundamental principle that older adults and people of all ages with disabilities should be able to live where they choose, with the people they choose, and with the ability to participate fully in their communities. acl.gov/programs/support-caregivers

We also find that as parents age, we see siblings as the caregivers of adults with disabilities.  

The role of a sibling in the life of a person with an intellectual and developmental disability (I/DD) is as complex as it is meaningful. Siblings can be friends, confidants, and caregivers.   The Sibling Leadership Network can help.  siblingleadership.org

The Arc recognizes that siblings play an important role in the lives of their brother or sister with I/DD. It is crucial that siblings are supported to be the best advocate they can be. To achieve this goal, they must have access to information and resources to help them make informed decisions – whatever their involvement. thearc.org/get-involved/siblings/

And of course at Great Bay Services, we are always here to support you.  Many of our staff are themselves parents, siblings and guardians of individuals with disabilities.  Being a caregiver is the hardest job.  You're not alone.

- Elizabeth Worboys Burr, Director of Mission Advancement