Taking care of a disabled loved one is an immensely challenging expression of love, and now there's a place in Wareham where home caregivers can find some much needed support.

Caregiver Homes is an agency that offers live-in home caregivers the support they need to take care of the elderly and people with a variety of disabilities, including autism, schizophrenia, Down syndrome, and other mental health and developmental issues.

The company seeks to keep people at home with their loved ones and out of nursing home and group homes.

Nursing homes "have their place," said Assistant Branch Manager and Registered Nurse Judith McGrath. "But if someone can get that one-on-one care, it can really improve their lives."

McGrath, who mans the new office at 191 Main Street, says the challenges of caring for someone at home can lead people to place someone in a home when they'd prefer not to.

"I think most people, if they could, would keep [loved ones] at home," said McGrath.

However, the work can be demanding.

"One person may have to give up their job" to take care of someone who can't be left alone, McGrath noted, which can increase the financial burden on a family.

To qualify for Caregiver Homes services, the person being cared for must receive MassHealth, but if they don't, McGrath says Caregiver Homes will do what it can to get a person on MassHealth.

If a person is unable to take advantage of the government-funded healthcare program, Caregiver Homes will refer them to the proper services.

"It is overwhelming, to say the least, to care for anyone 24/7," said McGrath. "People get to the point where they say 'I can't do it anymore.'"

While the company is looking for employees to provide care, its primary function is to provide services -- and potentially, a stipend -- to people already caring for somebody.

The caregiver, whether a hired from the community or already in the home, can receive up to $16,000 per year in a stipend, plus the support of a nurse and a social worker, who will make visits as needed. All caregivers have to undergo a CORI criminal background check.

For more information, call Judith McGrath at 508-742-8064, or visit www.caregiverhomes.com.