PC(USA) - Living Longer Feeling Better


	Family care givers With today's increasing life expectancy, more people will have older relatives and will experience the stresses and rewards of providing care for them. After more than 60 years of marriage, caring also includes care-giving. Photo by Pat Gleich. Families are the primary source of assistance for people who are unable to meet all of their own needs. The information below should help you plan ahead if care giving is in your future, guide you in making difficult decisions, remind you to take care of yourself and keep you in community with others facing the same challenges. Basic information for family care givers and care giving Information in this packet includes suggestions on meeting with your older loved ones, understanding health care coverage and learning about community resources, care options and workplace options. Honor caregivers Consider and honor the caregivers who are part of our communities, congregations and families. As we honor them, we remember that caregivers can be older or younger family members, people who volunteer individually to assist with care members of Congregational Care Teams. Read about ways to honor caregivers. If you do not already have a congregational care team in your congregation, now is the time to start discussing the development of one. We have all the resources you need to begin this process.


	Housing options for older adults Learn about different types of housing available to older adults.


	A care giver's guide to staying healthy Care giving and care taking can be very draining, physically and emotionally. Use this guide to help take good care of yourself.


	Making choices in caring for someone who has Alzheimer's disease Often families caring for family members with Alzheimer's disease face two very important choices — when to limit driving and what are appropriate living arrangements. This guide will help you face these very difficult decisions.


	Caregivers Discussion Group This group is an online support group for family caregivers.


	Useful family care giving links and information The following is a list of Web sites related to care giving. While much of the information and resources could well be very helpful to those involved in care giving, some sites may solicit donations or include information on products and services which can be purchased. These sites are being provided because of their informational value. National Health Ministries does not endorse any products or services that may be sold or linked through any sites listed here, nor do we encourage your financial support of the organizations.

	Miles Away: The MetLife Study of Long-Distance Caregiving MetLife Mature Market Institute and the National Alliance for Caregiving just released a new study that examines the challenges faced by those who provide caregiving long distance, focusing on the impact of long-distance care giving on the personal lives, work and careers of those giving care. Aging Solutions Find articles, comprehensive checklists, and links to key resources designed to make it easier for family caregivers to quickly find the information they need and avoid overlooking something important in the care of their loved one. CareGivers-USA This organization formed in connection with the PBS television program, Thou Shalt Honor, is a growing organization. CareGivers-USA is a free, not-for-profit database of local and state services to help the family care giver find the services they need. Caregivers Home Companion This site provides a lot of free information and a free forum to share experiences, thoughts and questions with fellow caregivers. Family Caregiver Alliance This is an informational resource on long-term care. Foundation for Health in Aging (FHA) The Foundation provides information for older adults and their special needs through public education, clinical research and public policy. They aim to build a bridge between the research and practice of geriatrics and the public and to advocate on behalf of older adults and their special health care needs. Empowering Caregivers This site provides assistance on practical matters and gives meaning to the spiritual and personal challenges that result from being a caregiver. It looks at many of the issues you may experience or are already experiencing in your time of need. ElderWeb This site has a lot of good information and links to long term care information, as well as an expanding library of articles and reports, news and events. Nursing Home Information Helpful information includes help in solving problems with or answering questions related to nursing homes, Medicare, Medicaid, long-term care insurance, patient rights and advance treatment directives. Peace of Mind Excellent site with information for all including tips and links to help you with home care and facility care. Caregiver Network Inc. A resource center created to help caregivers of people who are frail elderly and ill. Caregiving.com The site helps provide solutions to your caregiving situations throughout the six stages of caregiving. ElderCare Online The site is a beacon for people caring for aging loved ones. Whether you are caring for a spouse, parent, relative or neighbor, they provide an online community where supportive peers and professionals help you improve quality of life for yourself and your elder. AARP American Association of Retired Persons is a nonpartisan organization dedicated to helping older Americans achieve lives of independence, dignity and purpose. CAPS - Children Of Aging Parents Children of Aging Parents is a nonprofit, charitable organization whose mission is to assist the nation's caregivers of the elderly. National Family Caregivers Association (NFCA) The National Family Caregivers Association educates, supports, empowers and speaks up for the more than 50 million Americans who care for loved ones with a chronic illness or disability or the frailties of old age. NFCA reaches across the boundaries of diagnoses, relationships and life stages to help transform family caregivers' lives by removing barriers to health and well being.


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For more information - Pat Gleich (888) 728-7228, x5793 - send email - or write to 100 Witherspoon Street, Louisville, KY 40202

Family care givers

Basic information for family care givers and care giving