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Caregiver Support Groups | Caregiver Training Workshops | Library Resource Centers | Respite Care


CAREGIVERS

Caring for a relative means taking care of yourself. While most older people are able to take care of themselves, about one-fourth of them need help in dealing with the routine activities that make up daily living. Of those older adults who are functionally impaired, about 1.5 million live in nursing homes. But four times as many (6 million more) live at home or at other community settings. For most of them, it is family members, wives, husbands, daughters, sons, daughter-in-laws and other relatives who provide informal caregiving assistance so that they can continue to live in their own homes and communities.

Three general principles for effective caregiving:

  1. Maximize the independence of the older person. As a caregiver, you must walk a fine line, providing help where it is needed, but not undermining the older person's remaining capacities.
  2. Take care of yourself, also. If you neglect yourself, you will be less effective as a caregiver. Caregiving almost inevitably involves some conflict and stress. Pay attention to your feelings and share them with others. Be sure to find time to relax and do things that you enjoy.
  3. Seek help when you need it. Caring for another person, especially over a long period of time, can be physically and emotionally draining. It may involve time, skills or other resources that you simply do not have. Look for organizations that can help you and your relatives.

For a complete series of booklets to help you with caregiving, call the National Council of Aging, Publication Office (202) 479-6674, or the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) at (202) 434-2277.


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Caregiver Support Groups

Providing care to an elderly relative is a rewarding experience. It can also be highly stressful. Feelings of guilt, anger and frustration are common. Support groups offer information and understanding. The following agencies sponsor support groups.

  • Alzheimer's Support Groups: 442-3820
  • The Mental Health Association: 423-9490
  • Lifespan: 454-3224

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Caregiver Training Workshops

Caregiver Workshops provide timely information on the physical, mental and emotional aspects of aging. They also provide information on community resources. Workshops also provide the caregiver with tips on how to perform specific tasks and how to protect oneself from the stress and burn-out often associated with caring for an elderly person.

Training workshops are often offered at various times through employers, continuing education programs and community libraries.


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Library Resource Centers

Several local libraries have established special resource centers for caregivers. Books, video tapes, pamphlets and articles about caregiving and aging are available at the following libraries:

  • Fairport
    1 Fairport Village Landing
    223-9091
  • Gates
    1605 Buffalo Road
    247-6446
  • Henrietta
    455 Caulkins Road
    343-3401
  • Irondequoit
    45 Cooper Road
    266-0514
  • Lincoln Branch
    585 Clifford Avenue
    232-4554
  • Maplewood Branch
    1111 Dewey Avenue
    254-7048
  • Rundell - Extension
    115 South Avenue
    428-7300
  • Webster
    1 Van Ingen Dr.
    872-7075

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Respite Care

Respite care provides a much needed break for the caregiver and can also be helpful in special circumstances, such as an ill caregiver or family vacations.

In home respite can be provided through volunteer organizations, companion services or home care agencies.

  • Respite Cares! : 387-8065
For more information call Elder Line: 274-8181

In addition, many adult care facilities and nursing homes will accept short-term admissions. (See services chart in back of book for short term nursing home admissions.)


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