Resources for Caregivers
Some 44 million Americans, age 18 and older, provide unpaid assistance and support to older adults and adults with disabilities, according to a recent student by AARP and the Family Caregiver Alliance. The report also points out that 66 percent of adults over 65 with disabilities received their care exclusively from family and friends; only 9 percent get all of their care from paid caregivers.
If you care for a relative or spouse who lives in your home, a senior living facility, or across the country, you'll find help and encouragement when you call BACOA. BACOA provides resources and support to help you care for yourself while caring for others.
Classes and Support Groups
Alzheimer's Association Support Group: Third Thursday of each month.
Caregiver Support Group: First Wednesday of each month.
"Powerful Tools for Caregivers": BACOA will offer its next "Powerful Tools for Caregivers" class starting Wednesday September 10, from 6:30-9 p.m., at the BACOA office, 6000 Garlands Lane, Suite 100, Barrington.
This course consists of six weekly sessions and is conducted on an ongoing basis throughout the year. It is designed for the nonprofessional caregiver who is helping to care for a parent, spouse, or friend who lives at home, in a nursing home, or across the country. This program helps family caregivers reduce stress, improve self-confidence, better communicate their feelings, balance their life, and enhance their ability to make tough decisions and to locate helpful resources.
Suggested donation is $30 per person to cover the cost of materials and instruction, but no one is turned away due to inability to pay. For more information, call BACOA at (847) 381-5030.
"Making Sense of Memory Loss" is a five-part educational program to help family members of persons in the early stages of memory loss, and was developed by the Mather Institute on Aging and the Greater Illinois Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association. It is generally offered once a year; call BACOA for more information.
Caregiver Links
While this list is by no means comprehensive, some sites that can provide information and resources include:
Aging Parents and Elder Care includes sections on elder care products and a free e-newsletter
American Association of Caregiving Youth aims to provide information and resources to children and adolescents, 18 and younger, who provide assistance to relatives or household members.
The Alzheimer's Association provides information and resources on Alzheimer's disease; the site includes information on the Association's 24/7 Helpline, which provides information, referrals and support in 140 languages.
Caregiver.com is an online caregiver magazine.
Caregiverstress.com includes tips and resources for dealing with caregiver stress.
CareScout conducts professional needs assessment to help families make informed decision on long-term care.
Caring.com offers information, articles and resources for those caring for parents and other loved ones.
Catholic Charities Northwest provides supportive services to seniors and their family caregivers in northwest Cook County.
Family Alliance provides supportive services for seniors and caregivers in McHenry County
Family Caregiver Alliance is a community-based nonprofit organization that addresses the needs of families and friends providing long-term care at home. It also offers an online support discussion group.
Family Caregiving 101 offers advice and assistance for family caregivers; the site also includes a message board.
Kenneth Young Center is a not-for-profit, comprehensive provider of senior citizen and mental health support services. Based in Elk Grove Village, it provides counseling, service coordination and in-home services for the elderly for persons living in Elk Grove and Schaumburg Townships.
National Alliance for Caregiving is a coalition of national organizations focusing on family caregiving. The site features the Family Care Resource Connection, which reviews and rates books, videos, Web sites, and other resources dealing with family caregiver issues.
The National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers offers information on finding and working with a professional geriatric care manager.
National Family Caregivers Association includes resources, a nationwide events calendar and an online message board. It also features the Caregiver Community Action Network, comprised of current or former family caregivers who can help with information and support.
If you have questions about family caregiver associations or Web sites, please give BACOA a call at (847) 381-5030.