Resources for caregivers
Yesterday, a colleague shared his parent’s response when he had a problem: Don’t bring me a problem unless you also bring a solution. As problem solver’s DinerWear® loves this philosophy. We know that our everyday lives are full of solutions. When the car breaks down, we figure out how to get it fixed. When there’s a hole in the roof, we get it repaired. When it rains, we open an umbrella. (When you want to avoid stains, you wear a Cravaat®.)
When it comes to caring for our aging loved ones, however, we often don’t know where to begin. But not to worry, caregiver solutions are all around us. We just need to be resourceful. That means “…knowing how to get the information and results you want.” (www.lifehack.org/articles/featured/how-to-promote-resourcefulness-in-yourself-and-others – click through to read this great article on being resourceful)
In today’s world, being resourceful has never been easier. That doesn’t mean it’s easy. It still takes time and energy to search the internet, make phone calls, gather information, and then make a decision on what solution to implement. However, thanks to the internet and all the organizations that exist, we have someplace to turn for help.
One of the most general, all around resources when it comes to the aging and disabled is the Area Agency on Aging.
This national organization (www.n4a.org) advocates to ensure that needed resources and support services are available to older Americans. They are your first go-to for sorting out the resources available to you or a loved one in need of care. They have regional, state, and even local agencies to contact for help. When you don’t know where to begin, start there.
There are also a wealth of other resources available. Just search caregiving and you will discover endless websites that are ready to help. But we suggest you first start with the governmental resources first. Places where you can gather information without any sales motivations, such as:
Eldercare Locator – eldercare.gov helps you find resources in your area.
medicare.gov – www.medicare.gov which has information on what a caregiver needs to know to help you navigate through the caring quagmire.
Administration on Aging – www.aoa.gov which promotes the well-being of older individuals by providing services and programs designed to help them live independently in their homes and communities.
You can also go to the Caregiver Action Network for see a list of resources. caregiveraction.org/resources/agencies-and-organizations.
Additionally, there are a few magazines and websites that strive to provide caregiver solutions. Here are a few:
Today’s Caregiver magazine – www.caregiver.com
American Psychological Association – http://www.apa.org/pi/about/publications/caregivers/resources/key-websites.aspx
AARP – www.aarp.org/health/#caregiving
The Caregiver’s Voice – thecaregiversvoice.com/tcv-inspiration/fresh-perspectives-on-aging-video
Caregiver Solutions – www.canadacares.org/new-issue-of-caregiver-solutions-is-now-available
And don’t forget, just because you don’t know about a solution doesn’t mean one doesn’t exist. DinerWear® sees it all the time. When we are exhibiting our products at a show, caregiver’s faces light up when they discover our stylish adult bib alternatives. They had no idea there was an option until they see our products. But DinerWear® is all about solving a very basic problem—maintaining dignity while protecting your clothes from food spills. We hope to one day be like an umbrella, the go to solution everyone knows about when it comes time to protect against the rain of food on their clothes.
Happy Problem Solving and Bon Appetit!