SUPPORT
The bad news about being a caregiver is that it’s a tough job! The good news is that there are lots of means of support to the hard-working caregiver. Websites, support lines, mobile apps, communications forums– they’re listed below. If you find another source of support, e-mail us and we’ll add it to the list!
Ongoing Support
Video Pep Talks
These short videos of encouragement from a fellow caregiver will give you a little wind in your sails.
Ebooks
Our E-books are short, sweet, easy to read, and full of information that can help you in your caregiver role.
Free Support Services
Family Caregiver Mobile App
The Outpatient mobile smart-phone application connects the family and caregiver team to coordinate care for Mom and Dad. Helps synchronize schedules, doctors, medications, and care circle duties. A must for the extended family!
Caregiver Support Hotline
The Caregiver Action Network staffs a free support line at 1-855-227-3640. They have caregiving experts available from 8 am to 7 pm eastern time. Or, you can chat with them, or e-mail, via their website at caregiveraction.org.
Music and Memory Resources
Music & Memory hinges on the unique power of songs that are specific to each patient’s personal preferences and history. Giving someone with dementia the opportunity to listen to “their” songs through headphones connected to iPods or other portable listening devices can arouse strong positive emotions and stimulate the brain.
Caregiver Forums
The Caregiver Space
A Facebook user group with 165,000 members.
Caregiving.com
Caregiving.com has chat sessions for caregivers.
Aging Care
This is a top-rated forum for caregivers.
Dementia Caregivers Support Group
A Facebook user group with 30,000 members. Focus on dementia issues.
Dementia / Alzheimers Family Caregiver Support
A Facebook user group with 12,000 members. Focus on dementia and Alzheimers.
Caregiver Support Group
A Facebook user group with 10,000 members.
BlueStar Caregivers Facebook Page
Our Facebook page is just getting launched– please like us!
Caregiver Nation
A Facebook user group with 4,000 members.
Downloads
Caring for the Caregiver
National Cancer Institute, 20 pages. Focuses on caregivers for cancer patients, and talks about how to care for those special caregivers.
Caregiver Stress
From the Office of Women’s Health in the US Department of Health and Human Services. A 2-page sheet summarizing the issue of Caregiver Stress.
Coping with Caregiving
From the National Institutes of Health, part of the US Department of Health and Human Services. A 12-page special issue of their newsletter, focusing on helping caregivers cope with the difficulties of caregiving.
Caregiving — a Guide to Community Resources
From the Family Caregiver Alliance, part of the National Center for Caregiving. 10 pages. This describes the many resources available to assist caregivers in any community, and how they can be accessed.
Depression and Caregiving
From the Family Caregiver Alliance, part of the National Center for Caregiving. 9 pages. Describes the tell-tale signs of depression in a caregiver, how to potentially treat it, and the resources available for help.
Dr. Ron’s Caregiver Checklist
Dr. Ron Poropatich, MD. complied a comprehensive checklist of everything a 55-year-old should be thinking about as they help their aged parent age in place.
Websites
Caregiver Action Network
The Caregiver Action Network, part of the National Family Caregivers Association, is a non-profit organization providing education, peer support, and resources to family caregivers. They staff a free caregiver help desk, which can be reached by phone, online chat, or e-mail.
Senior Living
Senior Living is a comprehensive directory of senior resources, including senior living, health and care, safety, money management, and more. It has a broad list of experts who provide updated content. A useful tool for the caregiver caring for a senior.
The Caregiving Club
The Caregiving Club is led and produced by Sherri Snelling, who is a recognized expert and leader in the caregiving industry. It has plenty of articles and webinars, and promises a future online TV show for caregivers.
Family Caregiver Alliance
This is the website of the Family Caregiver Alliance and the National Center on Caregiving. It is chock-full of information. It helps connects caregivers to local caregiver groups. Great FAQ. A must-visit site.
