The California Caregiver Resource Centers were founded in 1984 and have grown into a network of 11 centers throughout California. The CRCs support California’s family caregivers caring for loved ones with debilitating conditions (such as Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and more).
At the California CRCs, we know caregiving is an incredibly difficult and rewarding role–one that forever changes the lives of those involved. We also understand that with the role of caregiver comes many unexpected repercussions: financial burdens, legal or insurance battles, physical and mental health issues, and more.
If you are a caregiver in the state of California looking for support, we are here to help. While our 11 center websites are full of free resources that you can browse, we also have a service model that offers core programs in the following areas:
The CRC Specialties
(Note: Click here to read a bit more about us and our services)
- Personalized Advice and Assistance
The CRCs provide personalized advice and assistance on caregiving issues and offer access to and help to find community resources. We have experts ready to help you with support and resources—including CareNav™, a dynamic online service that delivers specialized information to family caregivers. - Customized Assessments
We offer standardized assessment tools that help to identify and explore caregiving needs, interventions, and services. - Emotional Support and Consultations
The CRCs offer individual consultations (in-person or over the phone) with trained staff to provide ongoing emotional support, connect caregivers with community resources, and increase your understanding of the available care options. - Financial Aid
When needed, we can offer financial assistance for brief substitute care (in-home support, adult day care services, short-term/weekend care, etc.) to assist families caring at home for an adult with a disabling condition. - Short-Term Counseling
We provide individual sessions with licensed counselors to offer emotional support to help you cope with the strain of the caregiving role. - Support Groups
We offer monthly meetings in a supportive atmosphere where caregivers share experiences and exchange ideas to ease the stress of caregiving. - Caregiver Training
A huge source of stress for caregivers stems from a lack of confidence and training. To help with that, we offer individually tailored classes for caregivers on stress management, self-care, dementia, and other topics. - Legal & Financial Consultation
Navigating insurance, advanced directives, and more can be a daunting prospect. We offer personal consultations with experienced elder law attorneys contracted to provide guidance on powers of attorney, estate and financial planning, conservatorships, and other complex matters. - Education
We offer workshops for caregivers, community members, and professionals to help caregivers manage day-to-day care, plan for future legal/financial needs, promote well-being, and access available resources.
The CRC Intake Process
If you are an unpaid or informal family caregiver, get in touch with your local CRC to get started on the intake process. Here is a look at what the CRC intake process looks like:
- You will initiate the relationship by reaching out to any CRC. Between our 11 centers, every county in California is represented, so find the center that covers your county by clicking here.
- You will receive an intake form and assessment. This assessment is designed to get to know you and the loved one in your care. It will ask questions about your loved ones current state, including what tasks they need assistance with. In addition, it will look to capture some basic demographic information, get to know your care planning needs, and more.
- Once the assessment is complete, the CRC will create a care plan based on your stated needs and preferences.
- You (with the guidance of your assigned family consultant) will execute on the care plan for six months.
- After six months, you may be asked to complete a reassessment to see how well the original plan is working for you and to see what may need to change.
As long as you are a caregiver, we are here to support you. You are eligible to receive support and services for as long as you are caregiving.
We are a nonprofit funded by the California Department of Health Care Services. Each center also receives funding on a local level. Click here to learn a bit more about how we are funded.
Closing Thoughts: CRC and You
The California Caregiver Resource Centers were founded as a grassroots movement to support caregivers in California. We believe that caregivers are the backbone of California’s healthcare system and they deserve support and access to resources to help them in their journey.
To get started on your intake process today, contact your local center. Click here to find your local center and get support today.