The BREAK Exchange

💙 "Let me know how I can help" sounds kind, but often adds more stress for caregivers.

That’s why our partners at OKCares created the Caregiver Respite Card, a simple and thoughtful way to turn good intentions into real support.

🪪 How it works:
When someone offers help, caregivers can hand them the card, which includes specific ways to assist, such as “Sit with Mom for two hours” or “Pick up groceries.”

✅ Why it helps:
It removes the burden of planning from the caregiver and empowers friends and family to provide meaningful, concrete help.

Caregiving takes a community. This small card makes a big difference. 💙

👉 Learn more: okcares.org/learn-more

On this National Caregivers Day, we want to show our appreciation for our incredible community of caregivers.

We understand caring for children and youth with special healthcare needs can be a rewarding but challenging journey.

It's important to take care of your own mental health in order to care for others.

Our Caregiver Mental Health Toolkit can help you find a good place to start.

This online resource offers practical tips, self-care strategies and mental health resources to help you navigate the unique demands of caregiving while prioritizing your own health and well-being.

The Caregiver Mental Health Toolkit offers:

- Stress management strategies and techniques to help you cope with tough times.

- Self-care tips and practical ways to nurture your own physical, emotional and mental health.

- Mental health support resources to connect you with professional help and support networks when needed.

- Apps, online tools, videos and podcasts you can access anytime.

Take a look at https://zurl.co/T34UZ.

Our Family Advisory Council members shared the need for more mental health support and resources for caregivers. We developed this toolkit with their feedback.

Whether you're a parent caring for a child, a family member supporting a loved one or anyone in a caregiving role, we encourage you to explore this free resource.

Training Module #2: Meaningful Engagement in Respite Environments This training program was created by the Alzheimer’s Association’s Center for Dementia Respite Innovation and is designed to inform and empower respite care ...

Join us Monday, December 8th at 12PM CST, for our Monthly Networking Hour! It is time to catch up with the respite world and meet new people. Find the zoom meeting information below! Bring your lunch or a cup of coffee and join us!
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIpc-CrqzIsGdWu1G2I2mgXuc-hvAFyOvx9?fbclid=IwY2xjawOee4VleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFWNDJjcHFMTEZRcFR6dUl1c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHgP-YIHEeIANKvxx_jRRWsCNxGxaxj0aQUp5UdRBlWTfGBE3_yWhE6abkLvZ_aem_nozXzCufSQrLsK6C4SV6Nw #/registration
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Who will care for the caregivers? | Marquette Today Dr. Kim Whitmore reflects on the importance of caregivers during National Caregivers Month.

💛 Caregiver Connection 💛 Feeling isolated as a caregiver or finding it hard to spend time with friends and family? You’re not alone — many caregivers share this experience. We’d love to hear how you stay connected or find time for yourself. Your story could inspire and support another caregiver who needs to hear it. 💬
Share your experience in the comments or send us a message!

Week 3 of National Family Caregivers Month is all about connection. 💙
One in three Wisconsin caregivers reports struggling to find time for friends and
family. Read the full report here: https://gwaar.org/api/cms/viewFile/id/2008565
This week, we’re talking about why those connections matter — and how to nurture
them, even when caregiving feels overwhelming. Stay tuned for caregiver stories and
ideas on how to make the most of meaningful time together. 💕

UWM researcher supports youth caregivers worldwide through training and film Melinda S. Kavanaugh develops training and tools to support the 5 million children and teens caring for ill family members in the U.S.