Discovering New Information
When you identify yourself as a caregiver you are more open to seeking out information and resources that can be vital to your loved one’s care.
How do I find resources?
1. Meet other caregivers. There is more to you than being a caregiver. You have a job or career, friends, relationships, diverse interests and passions. You may be afraid that joining a caregiving support group will define you only as a caregiver. A support group, however, gives you an opportunity to share information and meet others struggling with the same issues. Other caregivers may have vital information about insurance, medical services, and referrals to good physicians, organizations and agencies that can lend a helping hand. Also, fellow caregivers are a great source of empathy and support. A support group can help you find ways to lighten your load physically and emotionally so you have time for the other parts of your life that also define who you are.
2. There are many Web sites that can help you learn to become a better helper and to become empowered. Some of these Web links are included below.
Informational Web Sites
National Family Caregivers Association www.nfcacares.org
National Alliance for Caregiving www.caregiving.org
Family Caregiver Alliance www.caregiver.org
http://familycaregiving101.org
www.caregiving.com
Also, visit HealthCentral’s index to conditions that may be of interest to you in your caregiving role.
Whatever you prefer to call yourself or even if you choose to forego a label it can be helpful to know that you are part of a growing number of people. More than 22.4 million American families are engaged in some type of family caregiving role for loved ones age 50 or over. This number is increasing all the time. You may not call yourself a caregiver, but you are definitely not alone.
References
Kutner, G. (2001, February). AARP caregiver identification study. Washington, D.C.:
American Association for Retired Persons.
Lake, Snell, Perry & Association (2001, September). Family caregivers and empowerment project: Final report. Washington, D.C: National Family Caregivers Association & National Alliance for Caregivers.
National Family Caregiver Association (2002, February). Self awareness in family caregiving: A report on the communication environment. Kensington, MD: National Family Caregiver Association.
