American families are in the midst of an unprecedented social, cultural, economic and personal transformation as more and more individuals navigate the challenging road of growing older and adult children face the profoundly difficult questions about how to care for their aging parents. As part of public broadcasting's mission to tell America's stories, Caring for Your Parents, is an eye-opening 90-minute documentary airing on PBS stations nationwide in April 2008 that draws much-needed attention to the realities of caring for elderly parents.
WMHT, in partnership with Albany Guardian Society, Northeast New York Caregivers Consortium, New York State Office for the Aging, Capital Region Caregivers Coalition, Capital District Senior Issues Forum and corporate sponsors Senior Whole Health and New York Long Term Care Brokers, presents a month-long initiative focused on providing caregivers in our region with critical information, tangible tools and resources for those with the responsibility of caring for aging parents. As part of the Initiative, WMHT and its partners are pleased to provide you with The Caregivers Toolkit.
The Caregivers Toolkit is designed to help families find supportive information and resources along the path of caregiving. Please keep in mind that this toolkit is a starting point and cannot encompass all resources available and all information is current as of publication in April 2008.
You are a caregiver if you provide unpaid assistance for a frail, ill or disabled person. This supportive care can vary from a few hours a week to several hours a day and will probably change over time. Caregiving for an older loved one is usually an evolving role. Tasks may begin as simply as grocery shopping, providing transportation, cooking and cleaning and then progress to bathing and dressing, giving medications and more hands-on assistance and supervision. See the "Tips for Caregivers" and "You are a Caregiver If" in this tool kit for more on this.
Few will say it's an easy job; caregiving can be physically and emotionally stressful for both persons involved. A once independent person may now feel helpless and depressed or may experience anger and confusion. Your own very busy schedule can be compounded by feelings of inadequacy, guilt, anger, and frustration that you have no time for yourself. Probably the most common reasons that caregivers take this challenge on are love and a desire to allow a loved one to stay at home or with family. Some caregivers feel a sense of obligation or fear that no one else can provide the quality of care that a family member can. Some families fear accessing outside services due to cost, and fear of the unknown.
Whatever your reasons, providing care at home can be both rewarding and stressful. There is much more on this in the tool kit under "The Caregiver's Handbook."
Although each caregiving situation is unique, other caregivers may have already dealt with the problems and emotions that you are now facing. There are resources available to help you whether it is to learn more about the particular illness or incapacity or how to deal with stress. You can learn helpful coping skills. See the "Tips for Caregivers" and other resources in the toolkit for support groups and to find other caregivers like you.
You need assistance from family, friends and professionals and access to community resources if you are to continue to provide care. You need to know that you are not alone. You need to take breaks to refresh yourself, maintain your health and prevent burnout.
You owe it to yourself and to your loved one to eat properly, get regular exercise and take frequent breaks from your caregiving responsibilities. Do things that help you relax and set aside time each week to do something you enjoy - it is ok and healthy to have some fun! "The Caregiver's Handbook" and "Tips for Caregivers" in this toolkit offer ideas to help you to take care of yourself.
Speak up when you need a break. Ask for help from family and friends. Seek professional help or training for yourself to improve caregiving or coping skills. Take advantage of community services like adult day care, hourly respite care, or home health agencies. Be willing to consider assisted living or nursing homes for higher levels of need for respite. If you need help but find difficulties along your path you may want to reach out to local or state advocacy agencies. See "The Caregiver's Handbook."
Organizations in your community recognize your needs and can offer help. Each community is unique and you will have to be assertive to seek out the services you need.
Look for services such as home delivered meals, help with personal care, house work or shopping, or educational classes and support group meetings. Educational materials may be available at your local library, Office for the Aging, AARP, and other community based agencies. There are also many resources available on-line. This toolkit is full of wonderful resources. Take your time and read through it, make notes and keep a file!
The sooner you get support and assistance the more likely you will be able to cope over a long period of time. Don't wait for a crisis to occur. Take steps to prepare now. You may find ideas throughout the toolkit including AARP's "Prepare to Care" guide.
Consider your community and what resources it has to offer. One way to locate services in all counties is to contact your County Office for the Aging. You may also find resources through faith based or other community organizations. If you are employed and are balancing work, caregiving and other responsibilities you may find help by contacting your employer's Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Each time you discover one resource you will learn about others. You may want to create a home file of resources and contacts. As your knowledge grows possible solutions to the complex tasks of caregiving also grow and so will your confidence, allowing you to sustain your ability to give care.
