As we celebrate National Family Caregivers Month this November, Tillamook Family Counseling Center recognizes the extraordinary dedication of family caregivers in our community and across the nation.
Among the approximately 53 million family caregivers in the United States, we find countless stories of love, resilience, and unwavering commitment—including right here in Tillamook County.
Local Story of Dedication
The Lomeli Gracia family exemplifies the spirit of caregiving that we celebrate this month. Rosa and Anastacio Lomeli Gracia have dedicated their lives to caring for their 33-year-old son, Luis. When Luis aged out of school, Rosa made the profound decision to leave her job, becoming his full-time caregiver due to limited accessible support in our rural community..
“I have always been his primary and only caregiver,” Rosa shares. “I am unable to go anywhere without him. My entire life revolves around what Luis needs. He can do things on his own, but I need to help him with everything. He is unable to be home alone.”
Each day, Rosa navigates the complex responsibilities of caregiving—preparing all meals, taking Luis to appointments, and helping him with personal care needs, from dressing to bathing. While Anastacio maintains his work at a dairy farm in Cloverdale, he provides essential support during his time at home, helping with tasks like shaving Luis’s face while Rosa handles haircuts.
Milestones & Challenges
One of the family’s most cherished memories is the day Luis learned to walk independently. “The most rewarding part was when Luis learned to walk or when he would learn something new,” Rosa recalls. “He was able to finally walk on his own when he was 7. I had to carry him everywhere and that was very challenging. We were always told we didn’t qualify for any assistance like a wheelchair or any kind of medical equipment. We couldn’t afford to buy anything that could help him walk independently.”
The journey hasn’t been without significant challenges. “The biggest challenge we faced was when I got very sick, about 20 years ago,” Rosa shares. “Luis relied on me and my husband had to work or was always working. I got very sick and felt bad that I couldn’t do anything. I lost my job at that time too. It was one of the most difficult things to overcome. But we got through it.”
Finding Support Through Community Resources
The role of a family caregiver extends far beyond physical assistance. “We never had access to community resources,” Rosa remembers. “My husband would sometimes take time off work to help me with him, everything was dependent on Luis’s routines.”
For years, the family struggled without support. “We were told by friends, neighbors and coworkers that Luis would qualify for assistance due to his support needs. When I’d try to apply for assistance we were always denied because he was ineligible. We didn’t really know what resources were available.”
Today, through TFCC’s Developmental Disabilities Program, the family has found vital support. The DD Program helped Luis access Day Support Activities with Marie Mills Center, which he absolutely loves.
This program not only provides Luis with enriching social activities but also gives Rosa precious moments for self-care—an essential element for sustainable caregiving. “Now we are part of your program and he is getting out of the house and his behaviors have improved,” Rosa notes with
satisfaction.
A Call to Action
This National Family Caregivers Month, we invite our community to recognize and support the caregivers among us. Whether through volunteering, offering respite support, or simply expressing gratitude, each of us can contribute to a more supportive environment for caregivers.
For caregivers like Rosa, the journey can feel isolating, but you’re not alone. Tillamook Family Counseling Center stands ready to connect you with resources, support, and community. We celebrate your dedication and recognize the profound impact you have on making our community stronger and more compassionate.
If you’re a caregiver seeking support or want to learn more about available resources, please contact Tillamook Family Counseling Center. Together, we can ensure that those who give so much of themselves receive the support and recognition they deserve.
For more information about caregiver support services in Tillamook County, contact Developmental Disabilities Services at Tillamook Family Counseling Center by calling 503-842-8201.
Thank you to The Lomeli Gracia family for sharing your story. Thank you to TFCC’s Developmental Disabilities Services Coordinator, Liz Valencia, for you dedication in meeting with the family to be sure their story was shared
