The loss of a parent is devastating, but for Chrysandra Reynolds, it marked the start of her challenges. When her father died, the Jacksonville resident not only had to deal with grief but was suddenly thrust into the role of her mother's caregiver — with no idea where to start. After some serious struggles, she connected with ElderSource, a resource that offered her the guidance and support she desperately needed.
“I had absolutely no experience as a caregiver when I started taking care of my mom,” Reynolds said. “It was a very, very difficult learning process for me.”
After taking on the role of caregiver, things quickly became even more challenging for Reynolds. Her mother was diagnosed with dementia, a devastating turn that required far more intensive care than Reynolds had initially expected. Each day brought new difficulties, and the physical and emotional toll began to mount. Despite her best efforts, Reynolds realized she was in over her head, and she simply couldn’t manage this all on her own.
That’s when she discovered ElderSource’s Helpline.
“My advice to anyone who is a caregiver, first and foremost, call ElderSource,” Reynolds said. “That’s the first thing you need to do.”
In one phone call, Reynolds was connected to various community resources that could support her with her caregiver duties. In addition, the Helpline pointed her toward a partner agency that had trained caregiving professionals who could supply respite care when needed.
Reynolds also signed up for ElderSource’s Tailored Caregiver Assessment Referral Program (TCARE). This invaluable, free program allowed her to work closely with a specialist to create a care plan tailored to her specific sources of stress and individual strengths. By identifying the root causes of her burnout, the TCARE specialist developed strategies to improve her overall caregiving effectiveness. After the first two meetings, the specialist followed up with Reynolds every three months to monitor her progress and offer ongoing support.
Reynolds was one of 80 local caregivers who received burnout prevention support through ElderSource in 2023. This program proved to be a lifeline, providing Reynolds with essential tools to continue her caregiving journey with renewed strength and resilience.
“We are currently accepting new participants into the TCARE program,” said ElderSource CEO Linda Levin. “We are eager to offer this free resource to more caregivers who, like Reynolds, could benefit from tools and support that help them better manage their responsibilities and avoid burnout.”
Today, Reynolds proudly considers herself a seasoned caregiver, having cared for her mother for the past eight years. But she vividly remembers the time when it all felt too overwhelming, when the weight of responsibility nearly broke her — and the relief she found in ElderSource.
“It took me a long time to get the message: take care of yourself,” she said. “You got to do something to take care of yourself. If there was no ElderSource, none of that would have happened.”
Looking back, Reynolds hopes her story can inspire others who find themselves in similar situations. She knows all too well how isolating caregiving can be, but she also knows that help is out there.
ElderSource offers free TCARE services to caregivers that are assisting someone who is age 60 and older and is residing in Baker, Clay, Duval, Flagler, Volusia, Nassau or St. Johns counties. For more information call 904-391-6699 or email caregiversupport@myeldersource.org.
