Caring for a parent or a loved one can quickly become time-consuming and overwhelming. This doesn’t take away from how much you love the person. It just means that you’ve been thrust into a new role, and you may not have the knowledge or resources to provide the level of long-term care your loved one needs… or even to navigate the complex system of services and supports.

Developed in 2000, our Family Caregiver Support Program assists informal caregivers with information, training, and supplemental services. We provide long-term care choices, consumer protection and education, so that you can help your loved one achieve the highest possible quality of life. We have Medicaid, non-Medicaid, and community programming available to help support family caregivers.

Theresa Niewiadomski, LSW, Family Caregiver Support Specialist, and Certified Caregiver Consultant leads the DHAD Family Caregiver Support Program and is available to support you during this difficult time. Theresa can be reached by phone at 330-899-5243 or email at tniewiadomski@dhad.org.

Complete an online Caregiver Support Referral

To access our full services and support, simply call the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) at 877-770-5558. You can request a long-term care consultation, where we will assess your loved one for placement with services such as:

  • Personal care aids
  • Homemaker services
  • Emergency response system (ERS)
  • Home-delivered meals

Support Groups:

Free for anyone to attend.

Led by Theresa Niewiadomski, LSW and certified Caregiving Consultant, you'll receive resources and support to aid in your caregiving journey. 

Virtual: Mondays at 1PM on Zoom (weekly)

In-person: 
North Canton Library
185 N Main St
North Canton 44720
Every third Tuesday of the month, at 1PM

Akron-Summit County Public Library GREEN Branch
4046 Massillon Rd
Uniontown 44685
Every first Wednesday of the month, at 2PM

Wayne County Public Library in Wooster
220 West Liberty St
Wooster 44691
Every fourth Thursday of the month, at 10AM (First session is Jan 25, 2024)

In-person support groups also available for caregivers of attendees at Gilcrest of Doylestown and Catholic Charities in Akron (Biruta St). 

Registration required for any support group. Contact Theresa Niewiadomski at tniewiadomski@dhad.org // 330-899-5243.

Active Daily Living: Web-Based Support

Direction Home Akron Canton Area Agency on Aging and Disabilities has partnered with Active Daily Living to help Seniors and Family Caregivers with free, personalized advice to enhance health, independence, and aging-in-place. Contact Theresa (330-899-5243tniewiadomski@dhad.org) to learn more.

Already an Active Daily Living member? Click here to login. 

“When my mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, her doctor suggested a nursing facility. But rather than taking her out of the home that she’s lived in for 30 years, I decided to help. It quickly became overwhelming – until I learned of your services. With adult day care and two personal care aides, my mother now receives the 24-hour supervision she needs. Thanks for keeping Mom home.” – Sue R.