10 Resources Every Caregiver Should Know

resrouces-for-caregiversLove makes the world go ‘round and caregiving for a family member or friend is a natural response when someone you are close to is struck down by a debilitating disease, trauma, chronic condition or simply dealing with the aging process. But in order to stay on the job, you need the right resources to support you. Thankfully, the internet has made it easy to share support information with the click of a mouse.

10 Resources to Consider

Whether a person needs short or long term care in Massachusetts or another state, here is a look at 10 resources every caregiver should know.

  1. https://www.caregiver.org/
    This site from the Family Caregiver Alliance National Center on Caregiving has a comprehensive list for caregivers divided up by state. For example, if you are dealing with retirement long term care in Massachusetts, you can find resources specific to your locale.

  1. https://www.medicare.gov/campaigns/caregiver/caregiver-resource-kit.html
    The U.S. Medicare site has a large list of resources for caregivers, including practical information, tips sheets and videos.

  1. https://www.cancer.org/treatment/caregivers/
    This site is sponsored by the American Cancer Society. It has a wide range of articles and resources for caregivers to help them take care of a patient and of themselves.

  1. https://alz.org/care/
    The Alzheimer’s Association has a section of its website called the Caregiver Center that is devoted to the challenges faced by family and friends helping sufferers of Alzheimer and dementia.

  1. https://www.aarp.org/home-family/caregiving/
    AARP has a Caregiving Resource Center that covers a list of things you need to know, including planning, legal and money matters, caring for yourself, senior housing, insurance, end of life care and handling grief and loss.

  1. https://www.nia.nih.gov/sites/default/files/alzheimers_caregiver_guide.pdf
    The Caregiver Guide produced by the National Institute on Aging has chapters on resources and tips for caregivers, covering the physical and mental problems of patients, keeping them safe and choosing a nursing home.

  1. https://www.usa.gov/Citizen/Topics/Health/caregivers.shtml
    The Caregivers’ Resources page on this government site lists a number of useful links for finding housing for patients, home health care services and hospice care. If you have questions about government benefits, there are links that will take you to sites with answers. There are also resources for legal matters, end of life care, long-distance caregiving and support for the caregiver.

  1. https://www.caregiveraction.org/
    This site has sections divided according to how long you have been caregiving, if you are doing it long distance and if you are holding an outside job at the same time. It has a wide range of resources for family members who have taken on the task of caregiving, provides a place to interact with peers and has informative articles to make the task easier.

  1. https://www.caregiving.org/data/Emblem_CfC10_Final2.pdf
    This is a publication of the White House Conference on Aging called “Care for the Family Caregiver: A Place to Start.” It lists ways to take care of yourself when you are helping the patient, help in understanding the financial aspects of the job and help with the complex world of healthcare.

  1. https://warriorcare.dodlive.mil/files/2013/08/Caregiver-Directory-Printer-Friendly-8-5-x-11.pdf
    The Warrior Care Policy is directed to those helping members of the armed forces who are dealing with serious wounds and illness. It lists resources for benefits, employment options after recovery, the needs of children, financial and legal issues, peer support, apps that can help you organize the caregiving process, and many other topics helpful for caregivers.

If you are a caregiver providing in-home care or have a loved one in assisted living in MA, make sure your needs are met, too. There are resources available online to help you find help, get information, interact with other caregivers and help you deal with the responsibility emotionally and physically.

 

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