When Marilyn talks about family caregiving, it’s not just her job—it’s her life experience. Before she became a Care Navigator at the Edel Caregiver Institute (ECI), she spent seven years caring for her grandmother, who raised her. The journey was filled with love, sacrifice, and overwhelming responsibility.

Her grandmother’s health declined after surgery, eventually leading to a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease and dementia. For a period of time Marilyn found herself working full-time, raising two young children, and managing her grandmother’s increasing care needs—all while her husband was deployed overseas. “I was the textbook definition of the ‘Sandwich Generation,’” she says. “Caring for a loved one while raising children at the same time.”

Like many caregivers, Marilyn didn’t know about the resources available to help her—until she met a social worker at church who connected her to home services. That moment of support changed everything and planted the seed for her future career.

Today, Marilyn uses her lived experience to support other caregivers through her role at ECI. “When a caregiver calls, they don’t always know what they need. They just know they need help,” she explains. ECI is there to meet them where they are—whether they need emotional support, guidance on navigating Medicare or Medicaid, or help accessing respite care or in-home services.

The Edel Caregiver Institute serves as a one-stop support hub for unpaid family caregivers. Services are free, available to the entire community (not just hospice patients), and designed to be accessible. Caregivers can refer themselves, or be referred by medical professionals or community agencies.

“We often work with caregivers who are overwhelmed and isolated—even those with large families,” Marilyn says. “The responsibility usually falls on one person. They may feel guilty or resentful, but don’t feel like they can say that out loud. We help validate those feelings and guide them toward resources and self-care.”

One of the newest programs Marilyn is excited about is GUIDE, a Medicare-funded initiative for people living with dementia and their caregivers. It provides tailored support and services based on need, including respite care. “It’s one of the only programs of its kind that focuses specifically on dementia,” she notes.

In addition to one-on-one support, ECI also offers support groups (in person and virtual), yoga for caregiver wellness, and access to a certified dementia consultant. The goal is always the same: to help caregivers stay healthy, informed, and connected.

Marilyn’s advice for new caregivers is simple but powerful: “Ask for help—and accept it when it’s offered.”

ECI Services are free and open to all caregivers—no application or income requirements.