The Caregiver Resource Center was established in 2001 as a part of CARE Delaware, a program of Delaware's Department of Health and Social Services. The Caregiver Resource Center was designed to support and guide the growing number of Delaware residents who are acting as caregivers for aging relatives and loved ones. The resource center helps caregivers cope with their responsibilities, obtain much-needed information and balance personal needs while meeting the demands of another.

In New Castle County the Caregiver Resource Center Coordinator is Joyce Shores. Joyce spends Mondays and Tuesdays at the Newark Senior Center and Thursdays and Fridays at the Wilmington Senior Center. Messages are checked daily for both locations and phone calls are returned promptly. A resource library is set up in each center with videotapes, books and pamphlets that may be borrowed by caregivers.

Other services provided by the Caregiver Resource Center Coordinator are:

• Information and referral to community resources
• Personalized support and case management
• Monthly support groups at each location
• Evening hours by appointment for caregivers who cannot reach the coordinator during the regular work day

The Caregiver Resource Center Coordinator can be reached by e-mail at info@caringpartnersDE.org or at the following locations:

Other services such as respite care, caregiver skills training and additional resource centers throughout the state are available through CARE Delaware. For more information about CARE Delaware, call (800) 223-9074 or access the program's website at http://www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dsaapd/care.html.