Are you one of the 43 million Americans acting as a caregiver to a family member or friend? Do you ever wish you could find the right resources to help you plan and care for your loved one? Do you feel isolated on your caregiving journey? If you feel unsure about what to do, whom to ask for help, or where to turn for emotional support, you’re not alone.
Many organizations offer online resources, chat rooms, and YouTube channels, all dedicated to the unique and growing concerns of caregivers. Check out this list to get the information and support you need today.
AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that empowers people to choose how they live as they age. Their website has several articles on topics related to care at home, medical, financial, and caregiver life balance. They also have a free caregiving guide, an online learning series and a support line that you can call for help (877-333-5885).
Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Help is available for Alzheimer’s caregivers through their online support groups, community and message boards, resources and blog.
Caregiver Action Network is the nation’s leading family caregiver organization. You can post a message, ask a question or offer support to other caregivers. There’s an abundance of videos and resources on everything from how to find a support group, to how to talk to your doctor, to how to manage the cost of care.
Eldercare Locator is a public service of the U.S. Administration on Aging working to connect you with services for older adults and their families. You can speak with an information specialist via online chat or email, visit the Caregiver Corner for information for caregivers, or enter your zip code to get information on local resources.
Family Caregiver Alliance, National Center on Caregiving supports and sustains the important work of families and friends who care for adult loved ones with chronic, disabling health conditions. They offer personal caregiver support, a Learning Center with webinars, fact sheets, courses and other training materials, and a YouTube channel with webinars on self-care and practical caregiving skills.
Home Instead Senior Care created Caregiver Stress, a channel with hundreds of educational videos to help navigate the challenges of caregiving.
Teepa Snow is one of the world’s leading dementia experts and educators. Her website has several videos to help you learn more about dementia. You can also sign up for her monthly newsletter and follow her on Facebook where you can ask her anything on her monthly Facebook Live videos. Also visit her YouTube channel to learn practical tips and how-to information on caring for a person with dementia.
VA Caregiver Support is offered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and provides a directory of Caregiver Support Coordinators by state, a VA’s Caregiver Support Line (1-855-260-3274) and a free online workshop called Building Better Caregivers™.
In addition to these nationally-known organization, Takacs McGinnis Elder Care Law offers a wide variety of resources, including articles, a blog, dozens of videos, a television show, and much more. Find everything here.
Questions? Need help? Just give us a call at 615.824.2751.