North Little Rock, AR, 06/30/2025 — Caring for a loved one can be both deeply meaningful and deeply overwhelming. That is why CareLink is growing its suite of mental health and wellness services for family caregivers in central Arkansas, helping them reduce stress, combat isolation, and find a sense of balance.
Through free family caregiver support groups, stress reduction programs, and accessible mental health counseling, CareLink is working to meet caregivers where they are – whether they are just starting the journey or nearing burnout.
“We hear it every day: caregivers do their best to take care of everything, but they’re tired, often feel alone, and don’t know about the resources available to help them,” said Nichetra Magee, Family Services Coordinator at CareLink. “Our family caregiver services help remind them they are not alone and that someone understands. We are here to help walk through this journey with them and connecting them to the right type of support is life changing.”
Programs Include:
Family Caregiver Support Groups | Including a dedicated Alzheimer’s Support Group and a virtual Monday Morning Caregiving group for all types of family caregivers.
Wellness Classes | Like the highly rated Stress-Busting Program for Family Caregivers, a multi-week series designed to teach evidence-based coping tools and self-care techniques.
Free Mental Health Counseling | Offering individual and group sessions through licensed professionals (not affiliated with CareLink), with CareLink covering copays for those who qualify.
In addition to counseling and support groups, CareLink’s HomeCare services – from light housekeeping and meal preparation to bathing and companionship – can also ease the daily burden for family caregivers. “The goal is to keep both the caregiver and their loved one well,” Magee said. “Caregiving takes a toll – not just physically, but emotionally. We’re here to make life a little less overwhelming and a little more connected.”
For one local caregiver, finding CareLink was like catching her breath for the first time in weeks. “I was completely overwhelmed by the tidal wave of emotions and changes brought on by my unexpected role as a caregiver,” she shared. “Discovering [CareLink] felt like being thrown a life preserver at the exact moment I needed it most.”
Whether you need a listening ear, a break, or practical help at home, CareLink is here to help you navigate the journey.
CareLink, a local nonprofit and the Area Agency on Aging for Central Arkansas, connects older people and their families with the information and resources needed to meet the challenges and opportunities of aging. CareLink has provided services for active older people, homebound older people, and family caregivers in Faulkner, Lonoke, Monroe, Prairie, Pulaski, and Saline counties since 1979. For more information about CareLink, call us at 501-372-5300 or visit www.carelink.org.
