Building Family Support Systems in Your Home

Imagine a fish living in a cloudy, unkept tank. The water is murky, old food sits at the bottom, and the filter isn’t working. The fish might survive, but it’s stressed, tired, and unable to thrive.

Now imagine that same fish in a clean tank. The water is clean and filtered. The fish begins to swim freely, feels safe, and begins to grow stronger.

Our homes are similar. When stress builds, routines fall apart, and support can be lacking. It can feel overwhelming for everyone. But when we take time to notice what’s not working and add small, intentional supports, the home can become calmer, more peaceful, and easier to manage. Caregivers feel less overwhelmed, children feel more secure, and families begin to thrive.

You don’t have to do it alone. Join the AZ Parent Connection Center Facebook Group (the group is not up & running yet) and utilize the worksheets below to explore simple ideas for building support into your home to help straighten families. 

One small change at a time can make a big difference.

Getting Started

1. Begin with One Area & Make Small Changes– Choose one part of your home life to focus on first. Be patient with yourself and your family as you explore what helps and adjust as needed.  

2. Use the Worksheets as a Guide– These tools can help you identify stressors, recognize needs, and build support into your home—for yourself and those you care for.  

Caregiver Plan for Support & Self Care

You can’t pour from an empty cup. Prioritize your well-being and seek support when needed.

Home Environment Support Plan

Caregivers can use this checklist to identify home stressors and find practical solutions. Take **baby steps**—focus on one thing at a time to prevent overwhelm.

Family Support Plan: Identifying Needs

Caregivers don’t have to do everything alone. Use the chart below to identify your family's needs, and refer to the list of resources to build a support system. Take it one step at a time—start with one area and gradually build from there to prevent overwhelm and increase success.

Therapy Needs for Individuals with Disabilities

Choosing therapies can feel overwhelming, but small steps can help.  Most insurances will want a Primary Care Doctor referral for a recommended therapy before scheduling with a therapy provider.