Caregiver
Families are the major provider of long-term care to their older loved ones. While this responsibility can take an emotional, physical and financial toll, knowledge of available resources can help relieve caregiver stress. Services, programs, and resources are available for persons who help an older person with the activities of daily living, health care, financial matters, guidance, companionship and social interaction.
Throughout the country, States and Territories receive grants through the National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP) to fund services that assist family and informal caregivers to care for their loved ones at home for as long as possible. These services include:
- Information about available services
- Assistance in gaining access to services
- Individual counseling, support groups and caregiver training
- Respite care
- Supplemental services, on a limited basis
To learn more about this program, visit the NFCSP page on the Administration on Aging website.
These programs, along with other state and community-based services, help to reduce depression, anxiety and stress that caregivers may feel. They also enable them to provide quality care longer, thereby avoiding or delaying the need for costly institutional care of their loved one.
National Information and Resources
There is a wealth of information on the Internet designed to assist family members and caregivers of older adults. Here are a few useful links to get you started.
Alzheimer’s Association CareFinder
This site assists those who care for someone with Alzheimer’s disease in finding good care in their community.
http://www.alz.org/carefinder
ARCH –The National Respite Locator Service
This service helps parents, caregivers, and professionals find respite services in their state and local area that mach their specific needs.
http://chtop.org/ARCH/National-Respite-Locator.html#elderly
Ask Medicare
This initiative offers information, tools and materials to assist the caregiver and their loved ones in making informed healthcare decisions.
http://www.medicare.gov/caregivers
Family Caregiver Alliance
This site features information on programs at national, state and local levels that support and sustain caregivers.
http://www.caregiver.org
Family Caregiving 101
This site provides caregivers with the basic tools, skills and information they need to protect their own physical and mental health while they provide high quality care for their loved one.
http://www.familycaregiving101.org
National Alliance for Caregiving
This site features publications and resources for caregivers, including the Family Care Resource Connection, where you can find reviews and ratings of more than 1,000 books, videos, websites and other materials on caregiving.
http://www.caregiving.org
National Family Caregivers Association
This site offers a virtual library of information and educational materials for family caregivers.
http://www.thefamilycaregiver.org/caregiving_resources
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Publications
The Eldercare Locator is pleased to provide the following fact sheets and brochures to better assist caregivers. To view our entire list of publications visit the Resources section on this website.
Face the Facts: Topics to Discuss Now with Your Aging Parents
10 Warning Signs Your Older Family Member May Need Help
A Talk With An Older Driver
Staying “InTouch” in Crisis Situations
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Find Information and Resources in Your Area
Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs), Aging and Disability Resources Centers, Aging Information and Referral services, and Title VI Native Americans aging programs are trusted community links to information and services for older adults and their caregivers. To find a program near you, start your search below.
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| Last Modified: 12/14/2011 1:14:27 PM |