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Health & Fitness

Top 10 Resources for Family Caregivers

November is Family Caregiver Awareness Month 

If you are providing care to an elderly parent, spouse, an aging or disabled family member, neighbor or friend, chances are you have a long “to do” list, and a lot on your mind.  First of all, you are not alone.  More than one million people in Michigan – one in four families – are providing care for aging or disabled loved ones.  Evidence shows that caregiving responsibilities can put tremendous stress on family members providing the care.  It is important for family caregivers to not ignore or neglect their own health and wellbeing.  Those who don’t take time to care for themselves are at high risk for depression, stress and illness. The good news is that there are services available to help.  Consider these top 10 resources for family caregivers:   

1.       Join a support group.  Many communities, senior centers, hospitals and religious organizations host support group meetings.  Some groups are specific to caring for a person with an illness, such as Alzheimer’s Disease/dementia, cancer or diabetes.  Some groups are designed for spouses and family members in general.  Support groups are a way to get out of the house and connect with others.  You may come away with new ideas, resources, friendships, and a deeper understanding that you are not alone.    

2.       Utilize a food service, such as Meals on Wheels. If you are concerned about preparing and getting a meal to the person you care for, Meals on Wheels is a low cost solution, and one less meal for you to prepare every day.  Caregivers, over the age of 60, also qualify for Meals on Wheels.     

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3.       Find an alternative transportation option.  How will you get Mom to her doctor appointment next week when you have a meeting already scheduled?  Call myride2 at 855-myride2 (855-697-4332), or visit www.myride2.com. A myride2 Mobility Specialists will work with you and local transportation providers to find the best transportation options for the person you care for in Oakland, Macomb, and Western Wayne Counties.

4.       Bring in help a few hours a day.  Consider turning to local organizations, like Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers, to arrange for a trained volunteer to provide friendship and supervision for the person you care for a few hours a week, or a day.  Don’t forget about family members, friends and neighbors who may be willing, if asked, to help out, or contact a professional caregiver or home health company, and hire someone to provide care and supervision.

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5.       Visit a local Adult Day Service (ADS) Center. ADS Programs provide daytime care for older adults and persons with disabilities, and often specialize in caring for individuals with dementia.  Most programs provide personal care, transportation, meals, and appropriate activities that encourage social interaction.  Many programs offer flexible hours so that caregivers can arrange care for their family member for half days or full days, Monday - Friday.

6.       Get some housekeeping help.  You can make a dream a reality by hiring a company or individual to clean, organize, do laundry, or even prepare meals, once a month, once a week, or daily.     

7.       Visit the web.  Searching the web can be a great way to gather caregiving tips, expertise on specific, relevant topics, and even connect with other caregivers in online support groups.  You may be surprised how much information is available to you in the comfort of your own home.  Just “Google” what you are looking for!

8.       Use family gatherings to have important conversations.  Don’t neglect to communicate with other family members to explain how the person you care for is doing, and what your day to day experience is.  It is very possible that others may not have a clear understanding of the extent of your work and responsibilities, or how they can assist you.  Focus on the facts, remain positive, calm, and be specific in what you need from them.

9.       Be open to attending events and trainings that offer information and education.  The Alzheimer’s Association – Greater Michigan Chapter, in cooperation with the Area Agency on Aging 1-B, offers a free, six week training for family members caring with a person with Alzheimer’s Disease, or dementia.  The Creating Confident Caregiver™ Program is designed to empower caregivers with knowledge and skills to better understand the disease and their loved one’s behaviors, reduce stress and improve outlook and quality of life.  For more information about  this and other trainings and events, call (800) 852-7795.   

10.   Call the Area Agency on Aging 1-B (AAA 1-B).  The AAA 1-B is a trusted, unbiased resource for family caregivers.  Resource Specialists are available to answer your questions, provide resource listings and information about ANY and ALL of the resources listed above, Monday - Friday, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. For more information, call the AAA 1-B at 1-800-852-7795, or visit www.aaa1b.com.




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