Along with caregiving for older relatives or friends naturally comes stress. Often times, individuals take on this role in addition to others they already hold. Fortunately, quality free and inexpensive resources to help cope with Caregiver Stress are available.
Caregiver services to be on the lookout for include:
- In Person and Online Support Groups
- Free and Discounted Counseling
- In-Home or Adult Day Care Respite Services (Qualified Individuals step in to provide care while you take a break from time to time.)
- Experts To Guide You in Locating Financial Assistance With Caregiving Expenses
Local Caregiver Stress Resources
- Area Agencies on Aging-This network of more than 600 organizations in the United States provides supportive services for individuals, 60 and older, and those who care for them. Your regional Area Agency on Aging can connect you to in-home respite (relief) care, individual counseling, and financial aid programs for caregiving. Find your nearest Area Agency on Aging using the search tool at Eldercare Locator.
- United Way 2-1-1-Utilize the convenient search tool on the national homepage to find the United Way 2-1-1 hotline for your area. Skilled hotline workers can connect you with government and nonprofit entities in your region. Entities that offer adult day care, senior food supplements, transportation, and much more.
- Local Support Groups-Your Area Agency on Aging can point you to local caregiver support groups. Also, find them in several additional ways.
- If caring for someone with a specific condition such as Alzheimer’s, Cancer, Diabetes or Parkinson’s, contact local or state chapters of organizations that focus on those health issues.
- If caring for a U.S. veteran, call the VA’s Caregiver Support Line at 1-855-260-3274,. Employees can let you know of related support groups near you.
National Caregiver Stress Resources
- AARP Caregiving Resources-Information is powerful and can help ease stress. Check out the organization’s library, as well as, caregiver webinars.
- Caregiver Action Network -The caregiver toolbox includes lots of great resources to support caregivers and provide connection to others.
- Family Caregiver Alliance®-The state-by-state resource locator is particularly helpful for finding assistance with caregiver responsibilities.
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Caregiver Support Home– Access veteran-specific and general caregiving info. resources and peer mentoring services.
- Online Support Groups-Technology enables individuals to connect to one another no matter their location. To get started finding one that suits you, read:
- “11 Caregiver Support Groups On Facebook You’ll Want To Join” article from DailyCaring.
For more Caregiver Resources:
Home Safety Checklist For Seniors
Important Legal Documents For Family Caregivers
Handy Devices To Help Remember To Take Medicine
