Caring for the Caregiver:

How Senior Counseling Supports Families

The Senior Counseling program is designed to assist older adults and their caregivers by giving them support during vulnerable moments in their life. It offers a comprehensive suite of services including in-home and office assessments, family and individual counseling, support groups, case management, and connections to valuable resources, which are key avenues of support for clients like Cindy King.

Cindy is her husband Gary’s full-time caregiver. She was connected with Kathleen Drouin, a counselor with the program, through her daughter, who had been searching for resources to support her mother after Gary was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Kathleen has been working with Cindy for five years, providing her with much-needed support and guidance as she transitioned into becoming a full-time caregiver.

“I would recommend MFS to anybody and encourage anybody to have someone to talk to, because that’s so important, because no one else really understands unless they are living the situation. And Kathleen has been out in the field and works with families so she has a real understanding of what goes on day to day and how stressful it can be. She’s just been marvelous.”
Cindy King, Client

“It’s nice to have someone to talk to who understands what you’re going through.”

Cindy King, Client

Kathleen encouraged Cindy to enroll Gary in a daycare program. Though Cindy was initially hesitant, the daily activity has been remarkably positive for both Cindy and Gary. “The people there are wonderful; they keep him busy all day long,” Cindy says. The daycare not only provides Gary with stimulating activities but also allows Cindy crucial time for self-care—a vital aspect of caregiving that can often be forgotten.

Beyond daycare, Kathleen also introduced Cindy to an Elder Care Attorney, who helped Cindy organize her and Gary’s future plans and finances. She has also provided Cindy with resources, including books about Alzheimer’s, and offered practical tips and strategies. Monthly meetings with Kathleen have allowed them to address ongoing issues and plan for long-term care, such as taking Gary’s picture to the police station in case he goes missing.

“Kathleen just helps me all the time,” Cindy laughs. “I would recommend MFS to anybody. Having someone to talk to is so important because no one else really understands unless they are living the situation.”

“It’s been the consistency and the trusted voice I so appreciate. I’m so grateful for continued services now, because we need them but we’ve grown so much, and so it’s exciting. It’s exciting because there’s hope.”
AMANDA
CLIENT AT METROPOLITAN FAMILY SERVICES DUPAGE

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AT METROPOLITAN

Mpowered to heal

5,560

CLIENTS

7,399

FAMILY MEMBERS

clients shared their overall health improved
as a result of MFS services

96 PERCENT