Caring for a loved one at home is one of the most compassionate things you can do — but it can also be one of the most challenging. At Individual Home Care, we’ve supported hundreds of family caregivers across New York, and we know firsthand that while love and dedication drive your care, they can’t replace proper support, training, or financial stability.

Whether you're just beginning your caregiving journey or have been managing a loved one's needs for years, our Family Caregiver Support resources are here to help. From getting paid through New York’s CDPAP program to finding burnout prevention tips and emotional support groups, everything on this page is designed with caregivers like you in mind.

Become a Paid Caregiver Through CDPAP

One of the most empowering programs available to family caregivers in New York is the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP). This Medicaid-funded program allows a loved one — such as a parent, spouse, or sibling — to choose and hire their own caregiver, including you.

If you're providing daily assistance already, CDPAP may allow you to get paid for that care while still remaining at home with your loved one. It gives families more flexibility, more dignity, and more choice — all while meeting Medicaid’s homecare requirements.

Our guide, “Becoming a Paid Caregiver for a Loved One,” walks you through:

• Who qualifies for CDPAP

• How to apply through Medicaid

• What paperwork and documentation are needed

• What to expect during the assessment and enrollment process

Individual Home Care works closely with CDPAP-eligible families across Nassau and Suffolk Counties. While we are not a fiscal intermediary ourselves, we understand the application process inside and out, and we can help you navigate next steps with confidence.

Burnout Prevention: Know the Signs, Protect Your Health

Being a caregiver can be emotionally and physically exhausting. Too often, family members put their own well-being on hold while caring for someone else. That’s why burnout prevention is such a critical part of our caregiver support resources.

In our Burnout Prevention Tips guide, we help you recognize early warning signs, such as:

• Chronic fatigue or sleep disturbances

• Mood changes, anxiety, or increased irritability

• Feeling detached, resentful, or overwhelmed

• Physical symptoms like headaches or changes in appetite

You’ll also find practical advice on how to prevent caregiver fatigue, including:

• Setting realistic boundaries

• Asking for help and scheduling respite time

• Building small moments of rest and joy into your routine

At Individual Home Care, we firmly believe that caring for yourself is part of caring for someone else. That’s why we offer supportive check-ins and coordination services that can ease the burden and keep you from reaching the point of exhaustion.

Local Support Groups in Nassau & Suffolk Counties

Caregiving can feel isolating — but you’re not alone. Across Long Island, there are a number of support groups and community-based resources where caregivers can connect, share, and get encouragement from others who understand what you're going through.

Whether you're caring for someone with a traumatic brain injury (TBI), developmental disability (OPWDD), or age-related needs, finding a peer support group can help you process the emotional ups and downs that come with caregiving.

We’ve curated a list of trusted Support Groups in Nassau & Suffolk Counties that offer:

• In-person and virtual meeting options

• Focused groups based on condition or diagnosis

• Peer support, coping strategies, and resource sharing

• Opportunities for respite referrals and training

Individual Home Care doesn’t just recommend these groups — we actively collaborate with many local partners and agencies to ensure our clients and their families are connected to the care and encouragement they deserve.

Free Training Resources for Family Caregivers

Even the most devoted family caregivers can benefit from ongoing training and education. From medication management and mobility assistance to communication and safety, the more informed you are, the more confident you’ll feel in your caregiving role.

That’s why we’ve compiled a collection of Free Training Resources, which includes:

• Online caregiver workshops

• Webinars and courses from community health organizations

• Local training events in Nassau and Suffolk

• Resources specific to Medicaid waiver programs like TBI, NHTD, and OPWDD

Whether you're new to caregiving or looking to brush up on specific skills, these resources are accessible, practical, and designed for non-clinicians. Best of all, they’re available to anyone — no license or certification required.

At Individual Home Care, we view training not as a burden, but as a tool for empowerment. We’re always here to answer questions and guide you toward the right resources based on your unique situation.

You Deserve Support, Too

Too often, family caregivers are so focused on their loved one’s needs that they forget they’re part of the care plan, too. But your health, your peace of mind, and your ability to sustain this important role all matter.

That’s why Individual Home Care created this Family Caregiver Support section — to give you tools, insights, and options that make your role more manageable. Whether it’s understanding CDPAP eligibility, joining a support group, or just learning how to prevent burnout, every resource here is part of our commitment to you.

Need More Help? Let’s Talk.

If you have questions about anything you've seen here or you’re unsure where to begin contact us. Our team at Individual Home Care is ready to listen, answer your questions, and help you create a care plan that works for your whole family.