Get help and support
Summary It is very important for caregivers to get help and support to avoid feeling stressed, burned out, and depressed. This article lists and describes some sources of emotional and practical support, including support groups, therapists, friends and family, in-home caregivers, and respite services. The importance of getting help and support It is very important […]
Anticipate and manage impacts on your personal life
Summary Being a caregiver can affect every aspect of a person’s life. This article lists some of the most common physical and emotional impacts that a caregiver can expect to experience. It then briefly suggests some effective ways of managing these impacts. Anticipating and managing the impacts of caregiving Being a caregiver can affect every […]
10 Things I wish I had known about caregiving
Summary Though every caregiving situation is different, there are some aspects of caregiving that apply to all caregivers. This article lists 10 things every caregiver should know. 1 . You are a caregiver. Anyone giving unpaid care to someone who needs help taking care of themselves is a caregiver. Yet, an AARP study showed that […]
Paying for long-term care
Summary Navigating who pays for and how to pay for long-term care can be one of the most frustrating experiences for caregivers. This article explains several options for determining how best to pay for long-term care, and includes links to government resources and other providers to help meet your individual needs. Medicare Navigating who pays […]
Skilled nursing facilities (nursing homes)
Summary Skilled nursing facilities, also sometimes known as nursing homes, are hospital-like facilities for people who need continuous monitoring and medical care. This article describes the services that a skilled nursing facility provides and the qualifications for being admitted to one. It then briefly lists costs and some key sources of funding. About skilled nursing […]
Memory care
Summary Memory care, also called dementia care, is residential care that focuses specifically on people with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. This article describes the key features of memory care and when it might be the best care option. It then describes the three main types of memory care facilities. Features of memory care Memory […]
Maintain medical equipment
Summary A caregiver may need to maintain various types of medical equipment in the home. This article lists some main categories of home medical equipment, and then offers basic techniques for cleaning, disinfecting, and maintaining them. Types of home medical equipment A caregiver may need to maintain various types of medical equipment in the home, […]
Join a caregiver community
Summary Joining a caregiving community is enormously important for any family caregiver. This article describes the main kinds of caregiver support groups and suggests other communities that caregivers may find useful. The value of caregiving communities Joining a caregiving community is very important for any family caregiver. Caregiving communities keep the caregiver from feeling isolated […]
Investigate long-term care options
Summary Facility-based long-term care may be needed when an older adult can no longer safely or comfortably look after themselves or when in-home caregivers can no longer safely or effectively look after them. This article lists the main types of long-term care facilities and when it might be appropriate for the older adult to move […]
Health monitoring devices
Summary Devices for monitoring health, wellness, and activity can be useful in letting older adults stay in their homes for longer and helping caregivers stay on top of the older adults’ health status. This article discusses the main kinds of devices and how they can help in caregiving. It then describes the pros and cons […]