Free Caregiver Trainings, Support Groups and Resources

What you will Find on this Page

• Powerful Tools for Caregivers
• The Savvy Caregiver
• The STAR-Caregiver Program

• Family and Friends Providing Care to an Older Relative or a Friend
• Memory Café

• Oregon Caregiver Handbook (multiple languages)
• Sage's LGBT caregiving resources handbook
• Support for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

Free Upcoming Caregiver Training

Powerful Tools for Caregivers 

An educational program designed to help family caregivers take care of themselves while caring for a relative or friend. You will benefit from this class whether you are helping a
parent, spouse, or friend. Participants will learn to:

• Reduce stress
• Improve self-confidence
• Better communicate feelings
• Increase their ability to make tough decisions
• Locate helpful resources.

For more information regarding upcoming classes please call the Family Caregiver Support Program Coordinator at (503) 988-8210

The Savvy Caregiver

Do you care for a family member or friend living with Alzheimer’s or another dementia?

This FREE, research-backed class developed by Emory University has been found to decrease caregiver stress and increase caregiver confidence. You will learn:

• an understanding of dementia
• tips on how to provide the best care
• coping skills for the stages of dementia
• facts about the progression of dementia
• a handbook to complement the classes

For more information regarding upcoming classes please call the Family Caregiver Support Program Coordinator at (503) 988-8210

The STAR-Caregiver Program

This evidence-based program is designed to help caregivers reduce or eliminate their family member's problem behaviors and increase pleasant times together. Examples of problem behaviors include sadness, depression, anxiousness, resistance to care, sleep issues, and verbal or physical aggression. The STAR-Caregiver program can help if...

• you live in Multnomah County
• are caring for someone with Alzheimer's or related dementia
• are dealing with challenging or frustrating behavior
• are feeling frustrated, depressed or anxious
• want to keep your loved one at home

A trained STAR-Caregiver Consultant makes four home visits and two phone calls to work with the caregiver. The consultant also follows up with four phone calls after the home visits end.

For more information please call the ADRC Helpline at 503.988.3646.

STAR Caregiver Brochure (846.44 KB)

STAR Caregiver English and Russian Flyer (151.61 KB)

STAR Caregiver English and Spanish Flyer (1.67 MB)

STAR C Program Referral Information Handout (70.42 KB)

Support Groups and Caregiver Events

Support Groups for Family and Friends Providing Care to an Older Relative or a Friend

All groups are free and provide a safe place to discuss the stresses, challenges, and rewards of caregiving. Please go to the organization website provided below for up-to-date information.

• Groups at First Unitarian Portland

• Groups at Mt. Hood Adult Day Center

• Groups through Legacy Emanuel

Memory Café

Memory Café is a social event with snacks and music for community members caring for family and friends with dementia or Alzheimer's. The Multnomah County Family Caregiver Support Program hosts a memory cafe monthly. Location and date are subject to change. Please call the program coordinator at (503) 988-8210 for the current time and place.

• Memory Cafes in Oregon