As a caregiver, it is important to know that there are organizations that can help you in your role. Some organizations provide information about how to nurture yourself and take care of your mind and body. Other groups offer caregiving classes and organize respite weekends. In addition to the resources listed here, you may want to contact your local or state Office on Aging or hospitals in your area to learn more about caregiver support groups and respite services. However, remember that this is not an endorsement of these organizations and the information they provide. You should always discuss any questions or concerns you have with your health care provider.
American Association of Retired Persons (AARP)
http://www.aarp.org/families/caregiving/
1-888-OUR-AARP (1-888-687-2277)
The caregiving section of the AARP website includes information about hiring a home health care worker, long-distance caregiving, and a report about caregiving trends.
American Cancer Society
http://www.cancer.org
1-800-ACS-2345 (or 1-866-228-4327 for TTY)
The American Cancer Society offers tip and articles for caregivers of cancer patients. The society also has a new caregiver support group- The Hospice of El Paso. The support group helps caregivers deal with stress and offers guest speakers on topics, such as role reversals and understanding losses.
Center for Caregiving Training
http://www.caregiving101.org
This website includes information about free caregiving classes. It also includes an online caregiving course helping caregivers learn about the disease, work with a medical team, and expand their support networks.
Eldercare Locator
http://www.eldercare.gov
1-800-677-1116
This is a government resource helping people locate agencies and local departments that will help provide services to seniors. Services include meals, home health care, and transportation. The website and toll free number allow users to locate these services within a senior’s area. Patients and caregivers can enter a senior’s zip code online and receive a listing of agencies and services within the area. The website also includes senior fact sheets and information about government agencies and resources about aging.
Family Caregiver Alliance(FCA)
http://www.caregiver.org
This website includes caregiving facts and tips, information about legal issues, and personal stories and photos.
Family Caregiving 101
http://www.familycaregiving101.org
This organization provides outreach programs to family caregivers, such as using media to connect caregivers to information and services. The website includes a list of the top 10 caregiving questions and answers, tips for managing responsibilities as a caregiver, and an explanation of the different stages of caregiving.
National Alliance for Caregiving
http://www.caregiving.org
This is a non-profit organization helping family caregivers. The website includes links to caregiving tips and guides.
National Cancer Institute
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/When-Someone-You-Love-Is-Treated/page1
1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237)
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) is a government organization and provides an online booklet for caregivers. The booklet includes suggestions for communicating with family and health professionals and for life planning. The online booklet also includes the Caregiver's Bill of Rights and suggestions for caring for yourself.
National Family Caregivers Association
http://www.thefamilycaregiver.org
1-800-896-3650
This website includes tips for caregivers, a bulletin board, and an online newsletter.
National Family Caregiver Support Program
(part of the U.S. Administration on Aging, U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services)
http://www.aoa.gov/prof/aoaprog/caregiver/caregiver.asp
202-619-0724
The program offers free, downloadable booklets on taking care of loved ones and how caregivers should take care of themselves. Information is also provided on support groups, and links to other caregiving organizations are provided.
National Organization for Empowering Caregivers
www.nofec.org
212-807-1204
The website offers education, support, and assistance for family caregivers. Promotes public awareness of caregiving issues. Website contains articles, message boards, chat rooms, newsletters, and customized web pages.
Net of Care
http://www.netofcare.org
This is a website for caregivers and includes information about patient symptoms and making care decisions. The website also includes caregiver assessments and a list of resources.
Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving
http://www.rosalynncarter.org/
This website offers a caregivers corner and includes articles about caring for yourself, finding inner strength, and the importance of respite vacations.
Well Spouse Association
http://www.wellspouse.org
This association is dedicated to helping caregivers who are the spouses or partners of a chronically ill or disabled person. The website includes information about support groups, chat forums, and opportunities to participate in respite programs.