A "caregiver" is someone who assists another person - usually a family member - who has physical and/or mental limitations. Caregiving is a labor of love that allows a vulnerable person to stay in the home for as long as they can be cared for safely and comfortably.

Although caregiving can be very rewarding, it can also be stressful. There may be times when you feel squeezed by the demands of giving care, balancing family obligations, working and taking care of yourself. At times, you may not know where to go for answers, emotional support and practical advice - or how to get a break from your caregiving responsibilities.

Some of these suggestions might help you:

• Talk with your doctor about how caregiving is impacting your health. He or she may be able to provide helpful suggestions.
• Allow others to help you. Ask family and friends for specific help and accept the help they offer.
• Learn to take care of yourself. You deserve some time to yourself to relax, socialize, and get some much-needed rest.
• Contact us to learn about helpful resources.

You are not alone

Nearly 34 million adults provide unpaid care for persons 50 and older, according to a 2004 study by the National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP. If you are caring for an older adult, there is help for you. Numerous resources are available in our community to help you give care and take care of yourself.

Contact us for information about the following services that may be available in your community. The Area Agency on Aging District 7, Inc. administers many programs and provides linkage to others.

Adult Day Care: A center offering social, recreational and health-related services to individuals who cannot be left alone during the day because of physical or mental limitations.

Case Management/In-Home Assessment: Case managers work with family members and older adults to assess needs, arrange for and evaluate supportive services.

Elder Abuse Prevention Programs: Protective service specialists investigate allegations of abuse, neglect and exploitation of senior citizens and take action to resolve the abuse.

Emergency Response Systems: Services that provide an in-home 24-hour electronic alarm system enabling an older homebound person to summon help when needed.

Financial Assistance: Benefit assistance programs that may include consumer protection, energy assistance, financial management counseling, food stamp assistance, prescription drug assistance and Social Security.

Home Delivered Meals: Commonly known as "Meals on Wheels," these are nutritious meals delivered to the homes of older homebound persons.

Home Health Services: Health care delivered in the home including changing wound dressings, as well as the services of speech, occupational and physical therapists.

Information & Referral Services: Information Specialists are available to provide assistance and linkage to available services and resources.

Legal Assistance: Legal assistance is available to persons 60 and over for certain types of legal matters including government program benefits, tenant rights, and consumer problems.

Personal Care: Services to assist individuals with functional impairments with activities such as bathing, dressing, shopping, walking, housekeeping, and preparing meals.

Respite Care: A service that provides caregivers temporary relief or rest from caregiving activities.

Support Groups: Meetings for caregivers that facilitate the exchange of ideas, tips, mutual emotional support and resource information.

Telephone Reassurance: Provides regular contact and safety checks by trained volunteers to reassure and support senior citizens and disabled persons who are homebound.

Transportation: Transportation services are available for individuals who are older or disabled, who do not have private transportation and who are unable to utilize public transportation to meet their needs.

Caregiver Support Program Services: Education and support services available to caregivers providing in-home training, caregiver newsletters, video library, home evaluation for safety and medical equipment, advice and recommendations for solving caregiving issues.