According to the National Alliance for Caregiving, over 53 million Americans provide unpaid care for one or more loved ones, taking on a journey that many experience but few identify with. Duet: Partners In Health & Aging is a Phoenix-based nonprofit organization challenging the norms of being a family caregiver through support groups, resources and programs.



Recently, the organization relaunched the Caregiver-to-Caregiver Mentor Program, connecting isolated family caregivers in need of support with other caregivers who understand the complexities of the caregiving journey.

“Many caregivers don’t give themselves the credit for the strength they demonstrate, because they see it as the natural thing to do,” says Duet caregiver services director. Janet Richards. “By creating a one-on-one connection with someone who has been on the journey, we hope to elevate them and encourage them to remain connected to support systems.”

A National Family Caregivers Association Survey of Self-Identified Family Caregivers showed 90 percent of caregivers reported becoming more proactive in seeking the resources and skills they need after self-identifying.

Participants of the program will receive a weekly check-in phone call from their assigned mentor, who will offer a listening ear and possibly discuss any concerns the caregiver may have.

Duet’s mentor volunteers are caregivers themselves that are in a stable place on their journey, or whose loved one has passed. They receive training before being matched with participants.

Caregivers interested in being matched with a trained mentor who has been through the caregiving journey should contact Janet Richards at richards@duetaz.org or call (602) 274-5022, ext. 141.

We would love to connect you with a member of Duet’s family caregiver services team to discuss how caregiving affects the physical and mental health of a caregiver, explain how a supportive mentor can help, and provide more information on the services and resources available.