Caregiver Resources

Caregiver resources are being sought after more and more.

There are more elderly in the United States than ever before. People are living longer and baby boomers begin turning 65 in 2011. The U.S. Census Bureau projects that the over-85 population over could grow from 4.2 million in 2000 to nearly 21 million by 2050.

What does that mean to us as individuals? More and more are becoming caregivers for aging parents and other loved ones. Whether they are living in their own home, with us, or in an assisted living or nursing home facility, if we are responsible for any part of their care, we are caregivers.

My mother lives in a retirement facility and has live-in caregivers taking care of her immediate needs. My dad passed away just recently. I am an only child and have served as a caregiver at an increasing level for many years now. It has been such a blessing to be able to care for them, but it has also presented many challenges. All of us who are caregivers find ourselves dealing with new emotions, with role reversal with our parents, with increasing physical demands and the on-going challenge of making the best decisions and choices.

I have learned that the most important thing is to remember that we are not in this alone--our heavenly Father cares for all of us and will help us every step along the way if we will allow Him to. And beyond that, we need to be willing to ask others for help: family members, our church, support groups, community agencies. There is a lot of help available, and I hope that this directory will lead you to the help you are seeking. Although many of the links are to secular associations, etc., I believe you will find them most helpful. Please let me know if you come across other helpful sites I haven't listed. And keep checking in - I will be continually adding new caregiver resources as I find them.

One unique resource that I would like to mention is a small group study called Caregiving: Caring for Aging Parents. I was blessed to help put this study together. It is published by the Christian ministry where I work, Living Free. This study deals with many issues facing caregivers ... and all from a Christian perspective. It is an ideal tool for churches and care facilities to help families and loved ones who are caregivers. Learn more.

May God bless you and your loved ones.

Karen

Alzheimer's Association. Offers general information about Alzheimer's disease and research that is being done. Links to other helpful resources. Describes ways the Alzheimer's Association can help Alzheimer's patients and their loved ones.

American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (AAHSA). Click on Consumer Information, then Useful Links, to locate helpful sites dealing with consumer protection, end-of-life care options, facility searches, glossaries, government information, guides and trends.

American Cancer Society. Cancer facts and figures, treatment decision tools, stories of hope ... and more.

American Diabetes Association. Facts about diabetes. Nutrition and health guidelines. Links to local events and information (including physician locator).

American Heart Association. Heart attack/stroke warning signs and other helpful information. Guides to a healthy lifestyle. Links to local information.

American Stroke Association. Heart and stroke encyclopedia. Warning signs. Life after stroke.

ARCH - National Respite Network. Dedicated to finding temporary relief for caregivers and families who are caring for those with disabilities, chronic or terminal illnesses, or the elderly.

Arthritis Foundation. Conditions and treatments. Product guide. Answers to your questions about arthritis. Programs and services near you. And much more.

Assisted Living Directory. Located assisted living facilities in your area. Free listings available.

Benefits CheckUp. A service of the National Council on Aging (NCOA). Guide to financial help available from private and government programs.

Caregiver.com. Comprehensive site for all caregivers. Helpful magazine and Fearless Caregiver Conferences.

Caring Connections. Hospice site with help for end-of-life planning. Advance directives, caregiving, free brochures, financial planning, Hospice, grief.

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Help with Medicare and Medicaid.

Eldercare Locator. A public service of the U.S. Administration on Aging that links those who need assistance with state and local area agencies on aging and community-based organizations that serve older adults and their caregivers.

Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Patient services and disease information. Local contacts.

National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers, Inc. Locate a professional to help you create a caregiving plan.

National Center on Elder Abuse. Resources on elder abuse, neglect and exploitation.

National Mental Health Association. Links to facts about Alzheimer's and Multi-Infarct Dementia.

National Osteoporisis Foundation. About Osteoporosis. Prevention. Find a doctor.

National Stroke Association. Along with useful information about what a stroke is, risk factors, prevention and recovery, this site provides a helpful section for caregivers and families of stroke victims.

Parkinson's Disease Foundation. Information about the disease. Research, patient care, helpful FAQ section.

SeniorSites.com. Non-profit housing and resources for seniors. More than 5000 communities listed.

Social Security Online. Very helpful site for questions about Social Security, retirement, Medicare, Disability and much more.

Strength for Caring. Comprehensive site for caregivers. Very useful information.

Compassionate Caregiving: Practical Help and Spiritual Encouragement By Lois Knutson / Bethany Most caregivers today have no training for the role into which they are thrust. Having been the primary caregiver for her mother, Lois Knutson draws on not only her years of experience, but also her professional training to offer encouragement and assistance to caregivers. Because she knows the situations that weigh down caregivers, Knutson gently builds them up as they continue to care for their elderly loved ones. In addition to practical tips, caregivers will find ways to care for themselves. Subjects addressed in Compassionate Caregiving include: how to balance work and caregiving; when and how to find home healthcare or care facilities; long-distance caregiving; how to provide care for the dying; and much more.

Strength & Courage for Caregivers: 30 Hope-Filled Morning and Evening Reflections By Terry Hargrave / Zondervan Forty million Americans care for somebody who's ill, disabled, or dying. It's taxing work that leaves people feeling isolated and misunderstood. Written from personal experience as a caregiver, Hargrave's devotional is filled with empathy, practical advice, and powerful stories. The 30 readings include morning selections and prayers for strength, and evening passages of promise and reassurance. 128 pages, hardcover from Zondervan.

Spiritual Care: A Guide for Caregivers By Judith Allen Shelly / Inter-varsity Press This personal and practical book deals with hard issues and difficult situations that people with serious physical needs confront. Shelly explains how to offer spiritual support to those facing suffering, illness or other crises.

Share the Care: How to Organize a Group To Care for Someone Who Is Seriously Ill By Sheila Warnock & Cappy Capossela / Simon & Schuster Trade Sales Whether you're prepared for it or not, chances are you'll take on the role of caregiver when a family member or friend is affected by a serious illness or injury, or when you find your elderly parent needs help. As you'll soon discover, the range of tasks and responsibilities involved are overwhelming. This book offers a sensible and loving solution: a unique group approach that can turn a circle of ordinary people into a powerful caregiving team. Included here are valuable guidelines, compassionate suggestions, and a simple-to-use workbook section that together offer support to free the patient from worry and the caregivers from burnout. This book offers friends and family the best answer ever to the frequently asked question "What can I do?"

The Long Good Night: My father's journey into Alzheimer's By Daphne Simpkins / Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co. As more and more people are discovering, Alzheimer's disease is the worst kind of thief. Over time, it robs those who suffer from it of the treasure of their memories and the sharpness of their minds. In The Long Good Night Daphne Simpkins chronicles the slow, sometimes heartbreaking decline of her father from the disease, but also contradicts the prevailing opinion that caregivers can experience only suffering and chaos during this difficult season. This book will give caregivers cause for honest hope, and its many other readers a wonderfully nuanced story of love and laughter amid the ruins of illness--a story that both illuminates the tragedy of Alzheimer's and powerfully transcends it.

Helpmates: Support in Times of Critical Illness By Harry Cole / Westminster / John Knox In this excellent book written by a caregiving spouse for other caregivers, author Harry Cole recognizes that caregivers who provide hlep for dependent loved ones are often unprepared to cope with the physical and emotional effects that accompany long term illness. they are frequently overwhelmed by their responsibilities and often need help themselves.

Complete Guide to Caring for Aging Loved Ones By Focus on the Family / Tyndale House Whether you're preparing for the responsibility or are in the midst of caring for an elderly loved one, this complete guide from Focus on the Family provides the practical information you need and a spiritual and emotional lifeline. Topics include burnout: physical, emotional, and mental changes in aging; medical, financial, and legal help; elder abuse; choosing a care facility; and end-of-life decisions. Caregivers will also learn what the Bible says about caregiving and the keys to effectively fulfilling that role. Paperback Edition.

Take My Hand Now By Barbara Pearson Christain / Pleasant Word (winepress Pub) Bill and Ruth met in senior English class. he was a bright, awkward, skinny young man who thought Ruth was the most beautiful creature he had every seen. They eventually married and were inseparable for the next 65 years. AS they began to age, they both developed debilitating illnesses that required increasing amounts of care from their four children. Sometimes mistakes were made and disagreements developed. Through it all the Lord watched over and protected Bill and Ruth. Their children came to understand that faith forged a blessing that only the Lord could provide. The Lord also awarded the children with the ability to find humor as well as a greater appreciation in the stressful job of caregiving. For example, one day Joanna was helping her grandfather get ready to go home from a lengthy hospital stay. As his back was turned to her, he asked her to apply denture adhesive to his plate. This 40 year old woman said, "I've done as you asked, but I surely don't understand why you wanted it done." When my father turned around, he nearly rolled off the bed laughing and risking an even longer hospital stay when he saw that Joanna had glued his dentures to a saucer from his lunch tray! The Lord has graciously provided all of us with a tremendous opportunity for spiritual growth.

Caring for Aging Parents By Richard Johnson / Concordia Publishing House This practical handbook provides support for caregivers. Factual information helps you deal with the strain of caring for an elder parent and shows you how to find needed information and support. Caregiving issues are addressed in the light of God's command to honor your father and mother.