About NLM 4 Caregivers

In March 2011, the National Library of Medicine initiated a pilot project to learn more about social media as a viable option for health information delivery to family caregivers. This pilot project became NLM 4 Caregivers

NLM 4 Caregivers is designed to increase awareness of NLM resources among caregivers who actively seek health information online using social media tools such as Facebook, Twitter, blogs and listservs for discussing and exploring health issues.

The NLM understands that family caregivers are problem solvers embedded within multiple social networks. Therefore, NLM 4 Caregivers tailors health information to those social networks. These include groups that support family caregivers, individuals who act as health information gatekeepers for their family and social networks, as well as the hands-on family caregivers themselves.

NLM's Resources for Caregivers

• Medlineplus Drugs, Supplements, and Herbal Information includes side effects, dosage, and more about your prescription drugs and over the counter medicines. You can also browse dietary supplements and herbal remedies to learn about their effectiveness, usual dosage, and drug interactions.
  
  
• DailyMed provides health information providers and the public with a current resource of medication content and FDA labeling as found in medication package inserts.
  
  
• ClinicalTrials.gov offers up-to-date information for locating federally and privately supported clinical trials for a wide range of diseases and conditions.
  
  
• LactMed is a peer-reviewed and fully referenced database of drugs to which breastfeeding mothers may be exposed. Among the data included are maternal and infant levels of drugs, possible effects on breastfed infants and on lactation, and alternate drugs to consider.
  
  
• Household Products Database links over 8,000 consumer brands to health effects from Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) provided by the manufacturers and allows scientists and consumers to research products based on chemical ingredients.
  
  
• MedlinePlus is the National Institutes of Health's Web site for patients and their families and friends. Produced by the National Library of Medicine, it brings you information about diseases, conditions, and wellness issues. MedlinePlus offers reliable, up-to-date health information, anytime, anywhere, for free.
  
  
• Pillbox combines high-resolution images of tablets and capsules with appearance information (imprint, shape, color, etc.) to enable caregivers to visually search for and identify an unknown pill.
  
  

Other Health Resources for Caregivers

• Caregivers' Resources page from USA.Gov connects caregivers with government information to aid in caring for a loved one.
  
  
• Benefits.Gov informs citizens of benefits they may be eligible for, and provides information on how to apply for assistance.
  
  
• Ask Medicare is a "one-stop resource" for caregivers, and organizations that support caregivers, nationwide.
  
  
• VA Caregiver Support provides information to assist caregivers, Veterans and others in caring for the health of our Nation's Veterans.
  
  
• National Institute on Aging's Alzheimer Caregiver Guide provides tips for caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's at home.