Even with the help of nurses and hospice professionals, many end-of-life caregivers still first come from within a person’s own family or close circle of friends. When a loved one has been given a limited amount of time to live, those around them will want to rush to their aid, putting aside their own daily lives to do whatever they can to ease the pain of the person they care about. As wonderful as caregiving can be, many family members are often over-burdened and need information when it comes to providing the level of care and attention that is needed. As a family caregiver, to provide adequate care while allowing yourself relief from the stress that comes with it, you need access to the best caregiving resources around.
The following is a list of some helpful resources for a family caregiver:
AARP Family Caregiving Guide
The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) is a nonprofit organization that works to empower people to choose how they want to live as they age. Their family caregiving guide provides free care guides, care options, legal checklists, and a helpful online community that provides support for all types of family caregivers. This incredibly informative website includes the following:
- Prepare to Care Guide: A free guide available to download that provides a comprehensive look at the first steps needed when taking on the role of a family caregiver.
- Care at Home: Tips on home safety, in-home assistance, transportation, meals, and much more.
- Caregiving Basics: This overview gives caregivers an in-depth view of the basic tools and information needed when caring for a loved one.
- Financial and Legal: This informative guide gives caregivers a closer look into the calculations involved in the cost of care, also what legal advice may be needed from an attorney.
- Health: The AARP gives caregivers insight on navigating physical and emotional health issues along with insurance and doctor visits.
- Caregiver Life Balance: Tips are provided to help the caregiver manage their own health and family life while also providing an excellent level of care.
Caregiver Action Network
The Caregiver Action Network provides education and information for family caregivers that provides an incredible volunteer support network that spans over 40 states. Formerly known as the National Family Caregivers Association, this network is one of the top places a caregiver can go to receive the ultimate level of support and information when it comes to caregiving. Real life caregiving situations such as “I Have a Job and I’m the Caregiver for My Loved One” and “I Don’t Live By My Family, But I’m a Caregiver” gives family caregivers an inside look at relatable situations and how to handle them. With instructional videos and one of the strongest caregiving communities on the internet, caregivers can find everything they need to know when visiting this online network.
The Conscious Caregiver: A Mindful Approach to Caring for Your Loved One Without Losing Yourself
This book should be on every family caregiver’s list. Linda Abbit, a caregiver and founder of Tender Loving Eldercare, shares her wisdom and advice on handling this demanding role. She walks the reader through the hard work, patience, and emotional stress that comes with caring for another person. She also dives into how caregivers often sacrifice their own well-being which can end up being counterproductive. This guide helps caregivers learn not only how to provide successful care for their loved one, but how to take care of themselves in the process.
Caring.com
Caring.com is a website offering informative articles about commonly asked caregiving questions and providing answers for many concerns. The goal of this website is to make sure that family caregivers are given the help they need to save money, make better decisions, and feel less alone during this time. Helpful sections for caregivers include:
- Assisted Living Options and Insight
- Home Care
- Memory Care
- Senior Care and Living
- Caregiving Resources Center
With thousands of original articles and helpful tools and advice from more than 50 leading experts in caregiving, Caring.com is one of the top informational sites for those looking to find tips and advice on how to take care of a loved one.
Veterans Administration Caregiver Guide
For those who are taking care of veterans, this site offers support and services along with a VA caregiver support line option. The Caregiver Support Program offers educational resources, training, and multiple tools to help caregivers give the highest level of care to veterans. While this VA Caregiver is aimed to help the caregivers of veterans learn more about the special assistance they can receive, the site is full of helpful articles and information for non-veteran caregivers as well. Topics found on the VA site include:
- Care for Veterans
- Care for Caregivers
- Tips for Diagnosis
- Publications and Resources
- Connect with Others
- Tips and Tools
Hospice of South Louisiana and Family Caregivers
At Hospice of South Louisiana, we’re dedicated to providing the very best in hospice care to both your loved one and the family member or friend that is handling the caregiving. Whether they choose to receive the assistance of hospice care or not, we want to make sure family caregivers are given the best resources and help they need. Contact us today to learn more about how hospice care can help both you and your loved one during this trying time or to learn about other recommendations and resources we have to assist family caregivers.