Helping to care for someone who may be nearing the end of his or her life can be a surprising, challenging, and rewarding experience. Whether you are a friend, family member, loved one, co-worker, or paid caregiver, the care that you provide does make a difference. The last years of life are a time of many changes. The changes taking place in the life of the person for whom you care may raise questions and concerns about how best to meet their needs. Information and support is available.
With so much in the news these days about health care coverage, access, and the needs of the elderly, it is important to remember that families-not social service agencies, nursing homes, or government programs-are the mainstay for older persons in this country. Nationwide, more than 22.4 million persons are "informal caregivers" providing unpaid help to older persons…they're the spouses, adult children, relatives, and friends who help with shopping, transportation, and household chores as well as bathing, dressing, meals, and medications.
Family caregivers provide more than 80% of all homecare services. It is estimated that these individuals contribute some $257 billion annually to the nation's health care system-an amount that significantly reduces costs to Medicare, Medicaid, and private payers. Yet although they are making a huge contribution, these caregivers-mostly women-often experience substantial stresses and burdens as a consequence.
Studies have shown that prolonged caregiving can adversely affect one's physical and psychological health, current and future earnings capability, the ability to balance the needs of older parents with younger families, and the ability to meet personal needs. Yet, as the population ages and as medical science continues to extend life, the number of family caregivers will increase rapidly. So will their needs-especially for home and community-based services that provide personal assistance, respite, home modifications, assistive devices, and caregiver training. The question is, who cares for the caregivers?
Erie County Department of Senior Services is one local organization trying to reach and help caregivers in our community. Our programs offer caregivers information about available services and assistance with gaining access to them; individual counseling, support groups, and caregiver training; respite care; and supplemental services such as transportation, emergency response systems, home modifications, and assistive technologies. We urge anyone who is struggling with caregiving now, or who may be in the future, to call Erie County at (716) 858-8526.
Caregiver Assitance Resources
Erie County Caregiver Resource Center
Erie County Department of Senior Services is the planning and coordination agency for services for seniors in Erie County, offering a wide range of services, including nutrition, home care, day care, case management, protection, health insurance counseling, volunteer programs and many more.
National Directory for Eldercare Information and Referrel
Help in locating Area Agencies on Aging nationwide
Medicare
This web site provides a comprehensive resource on Medicare, including the "Medicare Personal Plan Finder" to help select appropriate Medicare plans, including supplemental insurance, and links to low-cost prescription programs (through the Prescription Drug Assistance Program link), publications (such as the "Medicare & You" handbook), the "Nursing Home Compare", helpful contacts and local educational event calendars.
Family Caregiving Program - American Red Cross
The American Red Cross, Greater Buffalo Chapter’s Family Caregiving Program provides caregivers with tips and techniques on caring for their loved ones and themselves, while balancing the demands of work and home life.
This program features classes that are designed to teach hands-on skill building techniques, healthy eating and nutrition, personal care and understanding legal and financial issues. Classes are currently being offered free of charge
and are held at the American Red Cross, Greater Buffalo Chapter. Reservations are required. For more information visit www.buffaloredcross.org or call Laura Anhalt at 878-2395.
The Kaiser Family Foundation
Publishes "Talking With Your Parents About Medicare and Health Coverage", "Medicare Chart Book", and other information and research through "The Medicare Policy Project".
Medicare Rights Center
Information and assistance about rights and appeals dealing with Medicare and related insurance issues; low-cost prescription drug information; glossary of Medicare terms.
National Alliance for Caregiving / Family Care Resource Center Connection
A joint venture of the American Society on Aging, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, National Association of Area Agencies on Aging, and others. Offers reports, web site links, training packages and caregiver brochures. The Family
Resource Connection is a searchable database of reviews and rating of books, web sites, and other resources for family caregivers.
Careplanner
This web site, sponsored by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, offers a decision support tool which can be used by seniors, caregivers, family, friends, and professionals.
National Family Caregiver Support Program
This web site, from the U.S. Administration on Aging, offers information on the implementation of the National Family Caregiver Support Program, including a resource guide, issue briefs and resources for caregivers.
National Family Caregiver Association
Educates, supports, empowers, and speaks up for Americans who care for chronically ill, aged or disable loved ones. OffersRX discount program for members, professional advisory services for caregivers, and training for professionals.
Center for Medicare Advocacy, Inc.
A nonprofit organization that provides education, advocacy and legal assistance to the elderly and persons with disabilities to help them obtain health care.
AARP
A vast resource for older Americans, including information booklets and research on Medicare basics and related topics. Also offers supplemental health insurance and information about insurance. Discounted
prescription medicines are available through the AARP Pharmacy.
Family Caregiver Alliance National Center on Caregiving
Information, research and services to support caregivers, especially those dealing with cognitive impairments and brain disorders. Professional education, "promising practice" models, public policy conferences and an array of fact sheets and other publications are also offered.
Information provided courtesy of the Administration on Aging (AOA), Department of Health and Human Services and the Erie County Department of Senior Services, and individual Caregiver service agencies listed
Disclaimer
For additional information, suggestions, or problems, please contact our
Caregiver Resources
and Information
|
