"Coping skills" is the secret sauce discovered by grateful caregivers who tap into Caregiver Resource Centers, says Teresa McInerney.

"I wish I would have known" about CRCs, she continues. "I wish I would have had the coping skills when I first started caregiving."

Both mother and daughter benefited, Teresa said, when she engaged in the Southern Caregiver Resource Center, one of 11 throughout California.

"When I found (it) and all the resources that were available, it was a 360(-degree) change because I was able to get the respite care that I needed and I was able to get programs and the help that I needed to learn better coping skills, and give the better care that my mom deserved."

Empowering people to thrive is a hallmark of California’s 50 years of dedicated commitment to enriching the lives of older adults.