Caring for a parent or a loved one can quickly become time-consuming and overwhelming. This doesn’t take away from how much you love the person. It just means that you’ve been thrust into a new role, and you may not have the knowledge or resources to provide the level of long-term care your loved one needs… or even to navigate the complex system of services and supports.
Developed in 2000, our Family Caregiver Support Program assists informal caregivers with information, training, and supplemental services. We provide long-term care choices, consumer protection and education, so that you can help your loved one achieve the highest possible quality of life. We have Medicaid, non-Medicaid, and community programming available to help support family caregivers.
Theresa Niewiadomski, LSW, Family Caregiver Support Specialist, and Certified Caregiver Consultant leads the DHAD Family Caregiver Support Program and is available to support you during this difficult time. Theresa can be reached by phone at 330-899-5243 or email at tniewiadomski@dhad.org.
Complete an online Caregiver Support Referral
To access our full services and support, simply call the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) at 877-770-5558. You can request a long-term care consultation, where we will assess your loved one for placement with services such as:
- Personal care aids
- Homemaker services
- Emergency response system (ERS)
- Home-delivered meals
Introducing Noontime Knowledge
Your monthly midday brain boost designed just for family caregivers! Whether you're knee-deep in pill organizers or navigating the emotional rollercoaster of caregiving, this lighthearted lunch-hour series serves up bite-sized wisdom with a side of encouragement. Think of it as your monthly dose of practical tips, expert insights, and a few chuckles to keep you going strong. So grab your sandwich, settle in, and let Noontime Knowledge nourish your mind while you recharge your spirit!
Our 2025 schedule is all wrapped up, but don't fret! You can CLICK HERE to go to our Caregiver Noontime Knowledge playlist on YouTube, and stay tuned for our future offerings!
Direction Home Akron Canton Family Caregiver Support Groups
FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!
Registration required for any support group. Contact Theresa Niewiadomski at 330-899-5243, tniewiadomski@dhad.org or Kali Jobes at 330-776-4638,kjobes@dhad.org
Receive resources and support to aid in your caregiving journey.
Virtual Weekly Group: Mondays 1PM-2 PM on Zoom
In-Person Monthly Groups:
North Canton Library
185 N Main St
North Canton, OH 44720
Second Monday every month 6-7:30 pm
Stark County Library --North Branch
189 25th St. NW
Canton, OH 44709
Every second Tuesday of the month 2-3:30 PM
Catholic Charities Adult Day Center-now open to the public-RSVP to Catholic Charities required:
330-762-2961
815 Biruta Street
Akron, Ohio
Every 2nd Wednesday of the month 10-11 AM
Akron-Summit Green Branch Library
4046 Massillon Rd.
Uniontown 44685
First Wednesday of every month 2-3 PM
Akron-Summit Maple Valley Branch Library-start date April 23, 2026
1187 Copley Rd.
Akron, OH 44320
Fourth Thursday of every month 6-7 PM
Portage County group:
Access to Independence Medical Equipment and Supply
4960 S Prospect Street
Ravenna, Oh 44266
Every Third Wednesday of the month from 1-2 PM
Wayne County group:
Dementia Friendly LIFE Memory Café (do not need to be an attendee to join group)
First Presbyterian Church
621 College Ave.
Wooster, Ohio 44691
Last Wednesday of the month 11:15am-12:15 PM
I Care For/Want to Work for a Veteran
Veteran's Directed Care (Learn more! Email vdcinfo@dhad.org)
Web-Based Support
Active Daily Living
Direction Home Akron Canton Area Agency on Aging and Disabilities has partnered with Active Daily Living to help Seniors and Family Caregivers with free, personalized advice to enhance health, independence, and aging-in-place. Contact Theresa (330-899-5243 / tniewiadomski@dhad.org) to learn more.
Click here to login or sign up
Caregiving.com
Direction Home Akron Canton Area Agency on Aging and Disabilities has partnered with caregiving.com to help family caregivers with free information and resources at your fingertips.