What are some resources for caregivers?

Caregivers are people who take care of other adults, often parents or spouses, or children with special medical needs. Usually, caregivers take care of elderly people, but there are some caregivers who are grandparents raising their grandchildren. The terms "informal caregiver" and "family caregiver" typically refer to people who are not paid to provide care, although there may be programs available in your area that provide assistance.

Being a caregiver can be financially and emotionally draining. However, there are support services available. You may wish to visit the following:

• USA.gov - Caregivers' Resources - Official information and services for caregivers from the U.S. government.
• The National Family Caregiver Support Program - Developed by the Administration on Aging (AOA), this web page offers information on where to find help, individual counseling, organization of support groups and more.
• The National Institute on Aging's (NIA) Caregiver Guide - Information and tips for those caring for a person with  Alzheimer's Disease (AD).
• The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) - The VA will be providing funding for caregiver assistance programs to enhance support and training for the family members and other caregivers who care for disabled and aging veterans. In addition, you may wish to visit the VA's Home and Community Based Care (HCBC) web page. Please contact the VA for further information on these programs.
• Kinship Care - A program designed to help support a child who resides outside of his or her own home, either temporarily or on a long-term basis, with relatives such as grandparents or an aunt or uncle.
• Caring for an Aging Loved One - A brochure that outlines many of the concerns you may have as a caregiver and many that you may face in the future. It will help you organize a plan for your loved one/yourself.
• Ask Medicare - Provides information, tools and materials to assist caregivers and their loved ones with making informed healthcare decisions. You may also sign up for the Ask Medicare e-Newsletter.
• State Social Service Agencies - State social/human service agencies can help with immediate needs for items such as food, clothing, healthcare, or emergency funds. Even if social services has been contacted and the applicant is ineligible for benefits, these agencies may be able to provide referrals to community organizations that might offer assistance.
• State and Local Services for the Disabled - Often referred to as vocational rehabilitation offices, these agencies oversee state resources and assistance for the disabled.

You may also wish to view the following Medicare publications:

• Medicare Basics: A Guide for Families and Friends of People with Medicare (.PDF document) - This publication leads the caregiver through eight key "decision points" that relate to the health or overall well-being of an older person.
• When Employees Become Caregivers: A Manager's Workbook (.PDF document) - This publication guides employers on how to make needed eldercare and Medicare information available to their caregiving employees at little or no cost.

Some states offer financial assistance programs for caregivers to relieve some of the expense in taking care of a sick or disabled relative. You may wish to contact a State Unit on Aging (SUA) to find out what programs a particular state has to offer.

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By USA.gov team