Resources
There are a variety of resources available for caregivers and the family and loved ones of a person requiring full time care. Many of these are national or international organizations. There are also many local resources available for caregiver respite or supplemental support.
It’s important to explore the local, regional, national, and Internet (online) resources for caregivers and other family members and friends. Number 13 below is a massive directory of many websites and resources to support caregivers and families.
Some of the recommended resources include:
- Alzheimer’s Association – a wealth of information about this disease and caregiving tips and strategies; training for caregivers and counseling services are available. Contact at www.alz.org.
- American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) – offers a variety of services, programs, and training. Go to www.aarp.org for information.
- American Cancer Society – provides resources for caregivers including a “Caregiver Discussion Board.” Contact at www.cancer.org.
- American Diabetes Association – a variety of resources for caregivers and information and advocacy for diabetes management. Contact at www.ada.org.
- American Red Cross – can offer classes and training for caregivers, including CPR and AED (automated external defibrillator) training. Go to www.redcross.org for more information.
- Asian American Civic Association (AACA) – provides a variety of services. Contact them at 617-426-9492 or www.aaca-boston.org.
- CareCentral – a personalized web services that allows you to access tools and update friends, family, and loved ones; includes schedules and calendars, and more. Go to www.carecentral.com.
- Caregiver Magazine – a bi-monthly magazine that provides caregiver resources and support. Contact at www.caregiver.com.
- CaringBridge – a free website service that enables you to register information about your loved one and send updates, information, and pictures to family and loved ones. Also allows others to email caregivers and recipients with messages of hope and encouragement. Go to www.caringbridge.org.
- Children of Aging Parents (CAPS) – includes caregiver support programs and information for managing care for the elderly. Contact the agency at www.caps4caregivers.org.
- Eldercare Locator – national database connecting older adults with information on senior and care services. Call 1-800-677-1116 or go to www.eldercare.gov.
- Family Caregiver Alliance – information, education, and resources for caregiving services. Go to www.caregiver.org.
- Family Caregiver Organization – a website loaded with resources and links to hundreds of caregiving resources including resources for training, respite care, caring for elders, advocacy and support resources, and much more. Go to www.thefamilycaregiver.org/caregiving_resources.
- Labor Project on Working Families – this is a national advocacy organization that provides resources, education, and assistant to union members on family health issues. You can reach them at 510-643-7088 or at www.working-families.org.
- National Family Caregiver Association – an advocacy group with tips, information, and resources on caregiving in America. Go to www.nfcacares.org.
- National Institute on Aging – provides information on aging and the elderly. Go to www.nia.nih.gov.
- U.S. Administration on Aging – Caregiver Resource Page – provides many links to government, non-profit, and other caregiver websites; includes information, tips, and articles on caregiving. Go to www.aoa.gov or call 202-619-0724.
- Visiting Nurse Association of America (VNAA) – can provide in-home training to caregivers. Go to www.vnaa.org to find a VNA office near you.
- Women’s Health Information Center – resources for caregivers. Go to www.4woman.org or call 800-994-9662.
