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

**NEW** Family Caregiver Noontime Knowledge Series

We are excited to bring you our newest offering in supporting our Family Caregivers. Beginning in January, each month we will have topics and information that are important to you. Bring a lunch and hear from speakers who are experts in their field, connect with new resources, enjoy some stress relieving activities, and be among other caregivers who understand your ups and downs.
WHEN: the 2nd Tuesday of each month   11:00 am-12:00 pm
WHERE: Direction Home Akron Canton (1949 Town Park Blvd., Uniontown) ~~OR~~ Virtually on Zoom
SCHEDULE OF TOPICS:

  • January 14th: Dementia Friends 
    CLICK HERE to attend in-person
    CLICK HERE to attend virtually on Zoom
    1.0 CEU: Social Workers; Nurses
    Dementia Friends kicks off our 2025 series. During this session, we'll learn what dementia is, some of the most prevalent types, how to best interact with people experiencing dementia in any stage, and how to best support our loved ones with dementia, enabling them to remain active and an integral part of the community.
     
  • February 11th: Frontotemporal Dementia
    CLICK HERE to attend in-person
    CLICK HERE to attend virtually on Zoom
    1.0 CEU: Social Workers; Nurses; LNHA (pending)
    You may have heard about Frontotemporal Dementia with Bruce Willis' diagnosis or it may be closer to home. Join Judy Bearer with the Frontotemporal Dementia Association and learn about this unique form of dementia. We'll review possible causes and symptoms, find local resources, and learn how we can best support those experiencing Frontotemporal Dementia.
     
  • March 11th: Lewy Body Dementia
    CLICK HERE to attend in-person
    ​​​​​​​CLICK HERE to attend virtually on Zoom
    You've heard about it in the news. Robin Williams and Hall of Fame pitcher Tom Seaver were diagnosed with Lewy Body dementia. But how does it differ from other dementias? We'll talk about some of the distinct symptoms of Lewy Body dementia including fluctuating mental function, visual hallucinations, movement symptoms, and more. We'll also share resources and self-care tips.

Support Groups:

Free for anyone to attend.

Led by Theresa Niewiadomski, LSW and certified Caregiving Consultant, or Kali Jobes, MSW. You'll receive resources and support to aid in your caregiving journey. 

Virtual: Mondays at 1PM on Zoom (weekly)

In-person: 

North Canton Library
185 N Main St
North Canton 44720
Every third Tuesday of the month 1-2 PM

Akron-Summit Green Library
4046 Massillon Rd. 
Uniontown 44685
Every first Wednesday of the month 2-3 PM

Stark Library --North Branch-starting October 8th 2024
189 25th St. NW
Canton, OH 44709 
Every second Tuesday of the month 2-3:30 PM

Stark Library—Main branch-starting December 16th 2024
715 Market Ave. N.
Canton, Ohio 44702
Dates to follow: 1/27/2025; 2/24/2025

In-person support groups also available for caregivers of attendees at  Catholic Charities Adult Day Center in Akron (Biruta St).

Registration required for any support group. Contact Theresa Niewiadomski at tniewiadomski@dhad.org // 330-899-5243, or Kali Jobes at kjobes@dhad.org // 330-776-4638.

Active Daily Living: Web-Based Support

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

“When my mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, her doctor suggested a nursing facility. But rather than taking her out of the home that she’s lived in for 30 years, I decided to help. It quickly became overwhelming – until I learned of your services. With adult day care and two personal care aides, my mother now receives the 24-hour supervision she needs. Thanks for keeping Mom home.” – Sue R.