Welcome to the Family Caregiver webpage
Are you caring for a loved one?
Who are America’s caregivers? Rosalyn Carter said it best: “There are only four kinds of people in the world – those who have been caregivers, those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers and those who will need caregivers”. Simply put, a caregiver is someone who provides support and care to a person who is chronically ill or disabled and is not able to care for themselves. You are the wife, husband, daughter-in-law, sister, brother, child, or friend who saw a family member in need of care, and without evening thinking, became their caregiver.
While caring for your loved one there are many things to consider. For starters, remembering the importance of respite to avoid burnout is of great value. There are several supportive home care agencies and assisted living facilities that may be of help. Many of you are understandably fearful of leaving your loved one. But, there are ways to reduce some of those fears by creating a safe environment for your loved one to thrive in. With additional equipment or slight home modifications, it would be an added support to keep or regain a sense of independence for him or her. Other things to consider are tips to managing medications and having a personal emergency response device for added security. Last but certainly not least, joining or connecting with a support group will provide continual caregiver support. Information about these topics is only a click away. Simply click your mouse on the blue word/s and you will be linked to helpful resources related to the topic.
Family Caregiver Alliance survey
The Family Caregiver Alliance (FCA) is sponsoring a brief survey on how to help more family caregivers receive assistive technology and home modification services. It takes about five minutes and is completely anonymous.
Family Caregiver Alliance (FCA) has joined an invited group of caregiver organizations and experts on how to help more family caregivers get these services. Your responses will help FCA and provider organization know what family caregivers want and need most. https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/Survey_FCA
Ask Medicare
Medicare recently revamped their Family Caregiver webpage, Ask Medicare, to make it as easy and quick to use as possible. On the revamped Ask Medicare, you can sign up for an e-mail newsletter that alerts you to changes and new benefits. You can read other caregivers' stories and share your own.
Basic information on eligibility and coverage, directions on filing claims, updates on common diseases and conditions, links to many other organizations and agencies, downloadable fact sheets and pamphlets. Check out Ask Medicare.
Additional Caregiver Resources:
Caregiver’s Newsletter:
A free Caregiver’s Newsletter, CareLINK is published every other month for those who care for a loved-one; no matter the health situation. The CareLINK is available online or by email.
National Caregiving Websites:
www.strengthforcaring.com
www.alz.org
www.aarp.org
www.caring.com
