A new comprehensive resource is now available to help family caregivers of older adults cope with issues often faced when caring for a senior loved one. The Home Instead Senior Care® network has launched “Caring for Your Parents: Education for the Family CaregiverSM.”
This family caregiver support series addresses senior resistance to care and features 17 topics of interest to caregivers such as identifying the signs that care is needed, selecting an in-home care provider, communicating with seniors and healthcare providers, and providing at-home care in a recession. Materials including workbooks and videos are available at www.caregiverstress.com.
Individuals also will find tips on coping with caregiver stress and a handy “stress meter” to help gauge stress levels. In a survey on the website, 58 percent of family caregivers responded they are getting ill more frequently than they did four years ago. Additionally, 81 percent said their loved ones’ needs are becoming overwhelming compared with 73 percent who thought so just four years earlier.
The support series was developed in cooperation with Amy D’Aprix, PhD, CSA, who has an extensive background working with seniors and their caregiving families, as well as educating professionals about the needs of caregiving and aging.
