An injury or illness affects more than just the individual—it can also transform the lives of their family and friends. At Sheltering Arms Institute, we believe no one should navigate the recovery journey alone. We support both patients and their loved ones with hands-on training, emotional guidance, and dedicated caregiver resources designed to empower you every step of the way.
Supporting caregivers throughout the physical rehabilitation journey
Caregivers play an important role in their loved one’s recovery, and we want to support your well-being and success along the way. By delivering structured, hands-on education during and after inpatient rehabilitation, our programs for caregivers support safer transitions to the community and promote long-term patient and caregiver success. Explore below to learn more about our support services and resources for caregivers.
From caregiver training day, support groups, and classes to one-on-one meetings with an experienced caregiver, our caregiver support services are designed to ensure caregivers and patients feel confident, informed, and prepared for a successful transition back to the community.
We know that caregivers are an integral part of our patients’ recovery. That’s why we’ve established monthly Safe Space support meetings to offer advice, compassion, and resources. Held on the third Thursday of each month, our goal is to provide caregivers the opportunity to express their feelings, learn helpful information, and connect with others who have similar experiences.
Illness and injury not only impact our patients, but their caregivers as well. Our ambassadors have lived experience as a caregiver and are here to support your well-being and success during your loved one’s journey by providing advice and compassion through one-on-one meetings.
Caregiver Training Day strengthens our approach to family education and preparation during inpatient rehabilitation. Once a week, families are invited to spend a full day immersed in the recovery process alongside their loved one and interdisciplinary care team.
During this dedicated time, caregivers receive:
This structured experience builds caregiver confidence, reinforces hands-on skills, and ensures the patient, family, and care team are fully aligned before discharge.
Caring for a loved one is a rewarding journey, but taking care of yourself is just as essential. We offer dedicated programs to equip you with practical tools, support, and guidance:
Explore the Additional Helpful Resources section below for links to community-based organizations that offer further caregiver education and assistance.
These programs are made possible by generous support from the Commonwealth Neurotrauma Initiative and the William R. Kenan, Jr. Charitable Trust.
Additional Helpful Resources
Website: www.caregiveraction.org
Contact Number: (855) 227-3640
Website: www.dars.virginia.gov/aging/caregiver-support
Contact Number: (804) 662-7000
Website: www.caregiver.org
Contact Number: (800) 445-8106
Website: www.spancenter.org/service/caregiver-support
Contact Number: (804) 343-3000
Website: www.virginianavigator.org/for-caregivers-vn
Contact Number: (866) 393-0957
Website: www.wellspouse.org
My meetings with my Caregiver Ambassador were exactly what I needed—I just didn’t know it yet. It was invaluable. She knew exactly how we feel and the challenges we’re facing. It’s easy as a caregiver to get stuck in the trenches, so it’s nice to have someone remind you that you still exist as a human, and that you still have your own identity.
Understanding the role of caregiver support services in the recovery journey
Sheltering Arms Institute offers a variety of support services for caregivers, including full caregiver training days for patients currently participating in our inpatient rehabilitation program, a caregiver support group, one-on-one meetings with an experienced caregiver mentor, and a Powerful Tools for Caregiver six-week class that caregivers can enroll in. These services are designed to ensure caregivers and patients feel confident, informed, and prepared for a successful transition back to the community.
Yes, Sheltering Arms Institute is dedicated to supporting all caregivers in our community. Most of our education programs and support groups are open to everyone, regardless of whether your loved one was ever a patient here.
Have specific questions or need additional assistance? Please fill out our contact form.
You are welcome to access our caregiver support services at any point during your loved one’s recovery. However, we strongly encourage connecting with us as early as possible. Getting involved during their inpatient stay allows you to navigate your new role with guidance, build a strong support network, and avoid the stress of searching for resources later on.
If you are in crisis and thinking about self-harm, please call 988 for immediate support. The line is available 24/7 and has English and Spanish-speaking options.
To discuss non-emergency caregiver support options, you may contact our community engagement team at community.engagement@sai.rehab, call (804) 578-6532, or complete our contact form.
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