Caregiver Support

The impact of informal or unpaid caregivers in our community is immeasurable. Every day, family members, friends, neighbors and other caring individuals help their loved ones get to medical appointments, pick up their groceries, manage their paperwork and remember to take their medicine.

These are just a few of the tasks that allow older adults and people with mental and physical disabilities to remain independent in their homes. MARC’s Aging and Adult Services department acknowledges the valuable contribution of caregivers in our community and offers an array of services and supports to meet their unique needs.

Services for Caregivers

Information and Referral

Not sure where to start? Advocates are available to help you develop a care plan for your loved one, as well as connect you to helpful resources and services, such as transportation, home-delivered meals, home repairs, legal advice and more. Call 816-421-4980, and let them know you’re a caregiver.

Training

Looking to increase your caregiving knowledge and skills? MARC offers two different evidence-based programs specific to the needs of caregivers: Building Better Caregivers and AMP for Caregivers. Find a FREE upcoming class here.

Respite

Need a break? MARC offers a free adult day program, called Breaktime Club, at locations throughout the community. Caregivers can drop off their loved ones in a safe environment where meaningful activities are provided.
We also offer GRANDPass, a new respite program that provides a free week of camp for children under the age of 14 of older caregivers.

GRANDPass
Breaktime Club locations:

Support

Are you the primary caregiver of a child under the age of 18? MARC is proud to offer support groups, socialization and education to grandparents and other older guardians through our partnership with the Grandparent Support Network and Northland Grandfamilies. In addition, we offer GRANDPass, a new respite program that provides a free week of camp for children under the age of 14 of older caregivers.

Dementia Care

Does your loved one have memory concerns? Access safety tips, resources and advice via text messages from experts at KU’s Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center. MARC partners with the ADRC to provide caregiver coaches and one-day training events specific to dementia. For more information, call 913-588-1851 or visit bit.ly/careTEXT.

Home Modification and Repair program

MARC partners with area non-profits to provide minor home modifications and repairs for caregivers and adults age 60+. The goal of this program is to reduce caregiver burden and help clients age in place with safety and independence.

How to Care for Caregivers - a Toolkit for Employers

How to Care for Caregivers: A Toolkit for Improving Workplace Policies and Practices provides guidance to employers for best practices for supporting family caregivers. It describes what family caregiving is, who does it, why employer support is important and how employers can best provide that support.

Download the Toolkit here