The State of the Caregiver Union

“I will fearlessly care for my physical and emotional health as well as I care for my loved one's; I will recognize the signs of my own exhaustion and depression, and I will allow myself to take respite breaks and to care for myself on a regular basis.”- From the Fearless Caregiver Manifesto   

The timing couldn’t be better to talk about the State of the Union, no, not the State of The Union speech to Congress, but rather the union between caregivers and their loved ones. I have received more than a few emails lately which detail the stresses, guilt and even shame felt by caregivers who feel that the toll of caregiving has reached crisis level for them and they do not know if they can take it a moment longer. In most cases, these caregivers feel that there is no support for them and that no one would understand what they are going through, anyway.

I want to take this moment to tell you that nothing could be further from the truth. There are people who understand all too well what you are going through and are committed to help in every community. It may be the folks at the local Switchboard, the ElderHelp line or even in online communities like caregiver.com. Remember that Respite and Adult Day Care services are as much for you as they are for your loved ones and through many local organizations around the country, paid respite is available. Take a look at the online support group directory, to see if there is a group in your area, or if you know of a group feel free to add it to the listing. Join our newly revamped Caregiver Forum, which goes live on February 4, but most important of all, make sure you keep reaching out to your fellow caregivers.  

2006 Caregiver Friendly Award Nomination

Grant   Opportunity
The Johnson & Johnson/Rosalynn Carter Institute Caregivers Program is pleased to announce the availability of grant funding for communities to initiate, expand, or replicate collaborative community-based programs that address one or more of these top needs of family caregivers:  respite care, skill  development, information/education, and caregiver health and well-being. Applications are being accepted from organizations in the following states only: Colorado Georgia New Jersey Tennessee Texas Organizations selected by the J&J/RCI Caregivers Program will receive a $40,000 one-year grant and will also receive both on-site and off-site technical assistance provided by J&J/RCI Caregivers Program staff.     Applications for the 2006 funding cycle are being accepted until 5:00 p.m. EST on March 31, 2006.  Please visit www.RosalynnCarter.org for additional information or contact Tegrin Averett, Program Liaison, at 229-931-2758 or via e-mail at: taverett@canes.gsw.edu.
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Feature Article
PERS - What You Need to Know By Rosalie Okaty Would you or a loved one benefit from a Personal Emergency Response System (PERS)? ...Continued
Additional Articles:: Caregiving 101  by Michael Plontz   A family member has just been diagnosed with an illness that will eventually require round-the-clock care. Of course you want to be the one giving that care.. ...Continued Exercising Away Depression By Sean M. Kenney   Several studies have found that exercise and activity can greatly help alleviate the symptoms of depression and help improve the quality of individuals who suffer from depression. . ...Continued
Guest Column
Mutual Caregiving By  Camilla Hewson Flintermann Having been a caregiver for twelve years for my husband, Peter, who died in June, 2001 of Parkinson's disease, I have been very aware of the role I filled, and the things I did for him, especially as his disease worsened. ...Continued
Caretips
Home Safety Tips By Jennifer B. Buckley You feel safe and secure with your loved one watching television close by in the next room. On a daily basis, you meticulously monitor their diet, hygiene and warnings on their over-the-counter and prescription medication. Nothing has been left to chance, so you think..  ...Continued
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Carenotes
I run a weekly activities for daily living group of about 15 people who suffer from schizophrenia. We are running out of topics to discuss. We've discussed, ad nauseam, hygiene, nutrition, budgeting, leisure, laundry, cleaning, medication compliance, vocational training, getting along with family, friends and roommates, etc. I am looking for some different topics for my ADL group. I will welcome your suggestions. Thanks. A.W   Answer This Week's CareNote: carenotes/2006/index.htm
Caregiver.com Support Group Directory. Click here for information about any caregiver support groups in your area. Caregivers need your help. Please add information about your local support groups to our Support Group Directory. Include the name of the group, where and when it meets, city and state and support group leader contact information.
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