In When Life Hits the Fan I wrote about my own caregiving journey as well as the stories of so many others. We all have many different ways to approaching caring for a loved one, but we all have some things in common. Feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, unable to handle it all, and often, not taking such good care of ourselves. I hope you will find When Life Hit the Fan a resource for you to be more resilient and better able to handle the many challenges as a carer. Below are some organizations we have discovered that can support you.
The Family Caregiver Alliance
For 40 years Family Caregiver Alliance (FCA) has supported and sustained the important work of families and friends nationwide who care for adult loved ones with chronic, disabling health conditions.
National Respite Network
Resources to help you identify financial assistance for family caregivers
Caregiver action network
Caregiver Action Network (CAN) is the nation’s leading family caregiver organization working to improve the quality of life for the more than 90 million Americans who care for loved ones with chronic conditions, disabilities, disease, or the frailties of old age.
Caregiver.com
The first national magazine dedicated to family and professional caregivers. Content topics include nutrition, pharmaceutical, financial, home safety, new technology options, insurance, homecare, medication breakthroughs and incontinence management. Each issue also features a cover interview with a well-known celebrity caregiver.
Caregiving.com
We’re a community of supportive individuals caring for a family member or friend. We care for parents, spouses, siblings, grandparents and anyone we consider family. We care for you before, during and after caregiving. Join our daily, weekly and monthly chats, start your blog to write and release, and connect with others who understand.
Caring.com
In this guide, we’ll provide more detail on caregiver burnout to help you identify if you may be at risk. We’ll also provide some ways to manage stress and offer coping strategies for caregiver burnout so that you can continue to care for your loved one and care for yourself.
AARP Caregivers Support
Information about home care, home safety and preparing for home care, insurance and financial issues. Offers links to local resources.
Alzheimer’s Association Information for Caregivers
Caring for a person with Alzheimer’s or dementia often involves a team of people. Whether you provide daily caregiving, participate in decision making, or simply care about a person with the disease — we have resources to help.
National Institute on Aging Caregiver Resources
Learn how to respond to changes in communication and behavior, provide everyday care, and get help when needed
Cancer.org Caregiver Information
A cancer diagnosis affects close friends and family too. Find out what to expect if you become a caregiver for a person with cancer, and get tips for making sure that you take care of yourself as well.
Interactive Cancer Caregiver Resource Guide
The American Cancer Society Caregiver Resource Guide is a tool for people who are caring for someone with cancer. It can help you: learn how to care for yourself as a caregiver, better understand what your loved one is going through, develop skills for coping and caring, and take steps to help protect your health and well-being.
Cancer.gov Cancer Caregiver Support
If you are helping your family member or friend through cancer treatment, you are a caregiver. This may mean helping with daily activities such as going to the doctor or making meals. It could also mean coordinating services and care. Or it may be giving emotional and spiritual support.
Cancer Support Community
Becoming a caregiver may seem scary or overwhelming. Know that you are not alone: The Caregiver Action Network estimates that during any given year more than 65 million people in the U.S. spend about 20 hours each week caring for an ill, disabled or aged family member or friend.
Net of Care- Resources for Caregivers of Patients with HIV AIDS
Caregivers of AIDS patients are often their partners. Hearing that your partner has AIDS may make you fear for your own health. It is also a difficult diagnosis because of its stigma. There is the stigma related to the fact that AIDS is generally transmitted sexually or through IV drug use. Many people feel judged because their loved one has AIDS. Then there is the stigma attached to having a potentially life-threatening disease. This makes people uncomfortable, and some friends and family can become distant. At a time when you need it most, you may find it hard to get support. Here is more information on how to get support and take care of yourself.
American Stroke Association Information for Caregivers
A stroke survivor’s family is often the most important source of long-term support during recovery and rehabilitation. Taking care of yourself is equally as important. The following information and resources can help you take care of yourself and make your life easier.
Caring for a Child with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Advice for family caregivers caring for a child with autism, includes tips and links to local resources and support groups.
The Family Caregiver’s Guide to Lung Cancer
Being a caregiver for a family member with lung cancer means you’ll need to wear many hats. Your responsibilities may include staying on top of medication and nutrition, being a source of emotional support, helping a patient transition to hospice care and more.
Support for Family Caregivers
This guide explores the most common questions caregivers and their families have and provides suggestions and resources for making their caregiving roles as simple as possible.zzz