This November, our nation pauses to honor the millions of family members who quietly and continually step into one of life’s most demanding roles: caregiving. National Family Caregivers Month, led by the Caregiver Action Network, is a time to recognize the strength, sacrifice, and love that family caregivers pour into their loved ones’ lives, often without recognition, rest, or adequate support.
This year’s theme, “Plug-in to Care,” invites caregivers to connect with the resources, relationships, and communities that can lighten their load. For families supporting a loved one with an intellectual or developmental disability (ID/DD), that message couldn’t be more important.
At Day Spring, we see the heart of caregiving every day, and we know the extraordinary commitment it takes.
Why National Family Caregivers Month Matters
Family caregivers form the backbone of long-term support in this country. According to the AARP "Caregiving in the US 2025" report, more than 63 million Americans provide unpaid care to a loved one, and caregivers of people with disabilities often shoulder responsibilities that extend far beyond traditional support:
- Managing medical care and appointments
- Navigating complex service systems
- Coordinating therapies, employment programs, or transportation
- Supporting emotional, behavioral, and social needs
- Advocating in school, community, and government settings
While caregiving is deeply meaningful, it can also be isolating and overwhelming. That’s why NFC Month emphasizes connection — to information, to community, to tools that make the caregiving journey more sustainable.
For families impacted by ID/DD, connection is not just helpful, it’s essential.
Day Spring’s Role: Supporting Both Individuals and Their Caregivers
Though Day Spring’s mission centers on empowering adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live with dignity, independence, and purpose, our work naturally extends to the caregivers who love them.
When a family entrusts their loved one to Day Spring’s programs, whether through our residential homes, FHP Program, or the College for Living, they’re not just accessing services. They’re gaining a team.
Here’s what caregiver support looks like at Day Spring:
1. Peace of mind through high-quality, person-centered supports
Families often tell us the most meaningful gift we provide is relief. They can rest knowing their loved one is surrounded by trained staff, meaningful community, and opportunities for growth.
2. Partnership, not replacement
We honor the deep history, knowledge, and emotional connection families have with their loved one. Our role is to join caregivers, not take their place, by reinforcing the routines, communication styles, strengths, and preferences they’ve cultivated over years of love and advocacy.
3. A community that cares for the whole family
From family visits to regular updates from staff, from crisis communication to collaborative planning, Day Spring ensures families feel included, informed, and supported every step of the way.
4. A pathway for caregivers who need support, but are not yet in services
For families still seeking resources, whether they’re caring for an adult child at home, navigating Medicaid waivers, or exploring future planning, Day Spring aims to be a trusted resource long before formal enrollment begins.
Whether through tours, phone calls, workshops, or referrals to partners across Kentucky, we are here to help caregivers find clarity in an often overwhelming system.
Celebrating Our Unsung Heroes: Families of Day Spring Residents
The families connected to Day Spring are extraordinary!
They are mothers who have advocated through countless school meetings, fathers who have learned medical procedures, siblings who step into leadership roles, and extended family members who show up again and again, in big ways and small.
They’ve spent years fighting for inclusion, complex services, and opportunities for their loved one. They remain fiercely dedicated long after their loved one begins receiving residential support.
Our residents flourish because their caregivers poured the foundation.
Your dedication is seen and deeply appreciated.
Resources for Caregivers of Individuals with ID/DD
Whether you are part of the Day Spring family or still seeking the right supports, here are trusted resources to help you Plug-In to Care during National Family Caregivers Month:
Caregiver Action Network (CAN) – National Family Caregivers Month Resources
NFC Month 2025 Main Page – “Plug-in to Care”
Educational toolkits, webinars, peer support, and this year’s “Plug-in to Care” resource hub.
https://www.caregiveraction.org/nfc2025/ & https://www.caregiveraction.org/nfc2025/
Resources for Nonprofit Partners
A list of Nonprofit Partners seeking to help in a variety of ways.
https://www.caregiveraction.org/nfc2025-nonprofit/
Caregiver Support Resources
Peer networks, support groups, trained listeners, and ways caregivers can connect to community.
https://www.caregiveraction.org/nfc2025-support/
Care Connections: Webinars & Learning Opportunities
Live and recorded webinars for caregivers on practical skills and emotional support.
https://www.caregiveraction.org/nfc2025-connect/
Kentucky-Specific ID/DD Resources
Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services – Waiver Programs
Clear information on Michelle P. Waiver, Supports for Community Living (SCL), and other programs.
https://www.chfs.ky.gov/Pages/Social-Services.aspx
Arc of Kentucky
Advocacy, navigation, and statewide family support.
https://arcofky.org
Kentucky Autism Training Center (KATC)
Trainings, toolkits, and resources for families and caregivers.
https://education.louisville.edu/research/centers-institutes/kentucky-autism-training-center
Seven Counties Services
Kentucky’s leading Community Mental Health Center and behavioral health services provider.
https://sevencounties.org/developmental/developmental-getting-started/ & https://sevencounties.org/developmental/medicaid-waiver-services/
Momentum Family Strategies™
Helps siblings and aging parents navigate Life After Mom & Dad™ so adults with disabilities can live their best lives.
https://momentumfamilystrategies.com
Down Syndrome of Louisville
Educational programs, family support, social opportunities, and advocacy for individuals with Down syndrome.
https://dsoflou.org
FEAT Louisville (Families for Effective Autism Treatment)
Resources, training, parent support groups, and programming for families navigating autism.
https://featoflouisville.org
Kentucky-SPIN
Statewide parent support and information network offering trainings, guidance, and family advocacy.
https://www.kyspin.com
The Council on Developmental Disabilities
Family navigation, advocacy, leadership development, and community education for individuals with ID/DD and their caregivers.
https://www.the-council.org/
Commonwealth Council on Developmental Disabilities (CCDD)
Kentucky’s state DD council providing advocacy, systems change work, and support for inclusive communities.
https://ccdd.ky.gov/Pages/index.aspx
