Caregiver Education

Idaho Commission on Aging

The Idaho Commission on Aging (ICOA) has put together some great educational skill builders on dementia, caregiving, and healthy caregiving. To find out more go to the ICOA’s website and look up Stay Educated

Idaho Parents Unlimited Inc.

Idaho Parents Unlimited Inc. or IPUL have put together an extensive directory of online training videos to help individuals with disabilities, and their families, gain the knowledge needed to enhance their quality of life.

Idaho Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health

Idaho Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health is an organization that helps “promote and seek solutions for mental health well being for Idaho’s children and youth” and is a chapter of the National Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health. Their website provides educational materials, webinars, and community resources. 

Idaho Mental Health Services

The Idaho Mental Health Services provides state-funded and operated community-based mental health care services through Regional Behavioral Health Centers or RBHC. Click on the link to access a map and to learn more about the services provided and the mission that guides the Idaho Mental Health Services. 

LGBTQ Loved Ones Who Need Caregiving

There are several resources available to our caregivers who are caring for their LGBTQ loved ones. We want to make sure that our Idahoans who belong to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community have their unique needs and experiences honored as they receive care. The goal of this list is to help caregivers gain an understanding of the differences and interventions designed to meet the needs of our LGBTQ community.  SAGE Advocacy & Services for LGBT Elders has provided a toolkit, information on LGBTQ dementia, and many other resources and opportunities to learn.  The Alzheimer’s Association has also shared LGBT Caregiver Concerns – important considerations for LGBT caregivers. The National Alliance on Mental Illness provides LGBTQ specific information if your loved one has a mental illness. LGBTQ adults with disabilities are a minority group we cannot forget, to read more click here Respectability or check out the 10 Tips for Including People with Disabilities in the LGBT Community. Ensure that your loved one is receiving culturally competent care. The LGBT Aging Center has released a training to help caregivers, providers, & facilities gain a better understanding of what cultural competency is. For help with legal affairs, the Family Caregiver Alliance shared a publication on Legal issues for LGBT Caregivers.  

Powerful Tools for Caregivers

Powerful Tools for Caregivers (PTC) provides education for caregivers on stress reduction, emotion management, self-confidence, and awareness of community resources. Many of the Area Agencies on Aging provide PTC throughout Idaho, a current list is provided below or you can contact your local AAA.

Youth Empowerment Services (YES)

Youth Empowerment Services aka YES, is a new system of coordinated care that provides options for families who need care for their children with serious emotional disturbance (SED).  This new system of coordinated care was created in partnership by the Department of Health and Welfare, State Department of Education, and the Idaho Department of Juvenile Corrections. 

Family Caregivers of British Columbia

Family Caregivers of British Columbia offers support, information, and education to unpaid family and friend caregivers.  Be sure to tune-in to their podcast, Caregivers Out Loud, a space to connect, listen, and learn with other caregivers.