As a Caregiver you may also be an AGER.
This page is for you!
My sister and I alternated caregiving duties for our mother with progressive dementia before we realized a nursing facility would be necessary. Although I served for only a few months in this role, I learned how stressful it can be and the range of specialized skills that are required. Many AGERs are also Caregivers. If this is you, I have you in mind for this resource page. I hope you find it helpful and I wish you the best as you continue in this critical family responsibility. Be gentle with yourself and don't ignore your own needs! Remember, just one day at a time. Someday your duty will be over but try to keep focused on the present moment[s]! This is where you will find peace and serenity.
Humpty
Dr. Kernisan is a Geriatrician with a large internet presence and following. Her attention to the role and responsibilities of Cargegivers dominates her content. She is my "go to" online specialist in the medical issues facing AGERs and their families. Explore her large You Tube Channel here.
AARP has a special unit called Family Caregiving. The website has sections for assisting with financial, medical, legal and other common responsibilities of caregivers. These articles do not appear to require membership for access.
The National Institute on Aging has a large offering of articles, infographics, publications and videos for Caregivers including the Toolkit.
Toolkit
This massive site has standard resources for Caregivers needing advice or help with loved ones or clients. Several languages are provided. One special section offers support services for Caregivers coping with this stressful challenge. I could have used such help when caring for my mother nearly 20 years ago.
Melissa Batchelor, in her words " is a nurse, nurse practitioner, and advocate for creating a better world." She has a fee-based program of services for caregivers under the umbrella of AgeWiseU including courses on Alzheimer's for eating and behavior management. There are also hundreds of free videos on You Tube, mostly from her "This is Getting Old" podcast. A rich forest for caregivers to explore!
