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Caregiver Manual
Take a deep breath, get a cup of your favorite (healthy) drink, and find a relaxing space. In Caregiver Manual you'll find examples of how to decrease stress, organize your time, seek support, and balance mind, body, work, and family.
About You Am I a Caregiver? Are YOU The Unknown, Hidden Caregiver? In Awe of Caregivers The Three Stages of Caregiving What Does Family Caregiving Mean? The Caregiver Role Care for the Caregiver: Information. Simplification. Peace of Mind (and Time). Caregiving Skills Choosing to Take Charge Four Messages to Live By Navigating the Healthcare Maze Strength for Caring Won the Freddie Award for Caregiving Ten Steps to Getting Started as a Caregiver The Fearless Caregiver You Are Not Alone Cancer Caregivers Care Recipient Facts Family Caregiver Facts Men Are Loving Caregivers State-by-State Numbers & Facts Celebrating Cultures Caregiving—Past & Present Cultural Traditions & Respect for Elders Honoring Native American Caregivers Is There an Eldercare Stigma? Caregiving Stories Caregiver Stories: A Hero For the Books Caregiver Stories: Caregiver’s Handbook Caregiver Stories: Dear Precious Husband Caregiver Stories: Kite Season Caregiver Stories: No Response Caregiver Stories: Tasks, Titles, and Challenges Caregiving for My Mother Caring for Renee Dad Memories of My Dad Shakes Balancing Work & Family Work & Employment Caring at Work Coming in Late & Leaving Early Entrepreneurship for Caregivers Job Challenges Part-Time Is Not a Crime Family Alternatives to Living at Home Caregiving & Sibling Relations Choosing Retirement Housing Everybody Talks About Sex Helping the Kids Feel Important Holding a Family Meeting I Fired My Caregiver Juggling and Coping Skills for “Sandwich Generation” Caregivers Keeping Intimacy Alive Life Is Sweet My Mother's Keeper Questions to Ask Yourself Stuck in the Middle The Day that Daddy Cried The Power of Open Communication The Sandwich Generation Understanding and Using the Family and Medical Leave Act When Siblings Are Out of Step Stress Relief Stress Management Tips Anger and Open Discussions Bedside Duty: Taking Care of You When You’re on Call 24/7 Care for the Caregiver: Information. Simplification. Peace of Mind (and Time). Caregiver Depression, a National Crisis Caring for Caregivers Controlling Frustration Managing Caregiver Burnout Managing Mean People During Times of Stress Most Depressing Day of the Year? Physical Signs & Symptoms of Being Stressed Prescription for Caregivers Preventing Depression Setting Limits as a Caregiver Stop Self-Destructive Behavior Stress Busters Stress Relief Stress Relief for Caregivers: Managing & Coping Tips The Best Medicine Time Management Coping with Loads of To-Do’s Defining the Help You Need Filing 101: Preventing Paper Piles Five Ways to Get Things Done Getting Off the Hamster Wheel Meals on Wheels Rolls Out Rural Delivery One Moment at a Time Organizing Your Health Redefining Priorities Respite Act: Get the Help & Temporary Relief You Need Setting Limits Taking Breaks The Daughter Track Time and Time Again Time Management, Time Off, Vacation, and Breaks, Part I Time Management, Time Off, Vacation, and Breaks, Part III Time Off Is Healthy Communicating 10 Real-Life Strategies for Dementia Caregiving Caregiving is a Two-Way Street Communicating With an Elderly Loved One Expressing your Love to a Sick or Disabled Loved One Helping Hands Helping Your Loved One Accept a Move Managing Cognitive Impairment Talking Points Tips for Getting Your Loved One to go to the Doctor Understanding our Loved One’s Emotions as They Age When Pride Gets in the Way Your Caregiver Hat: Being a Patient Advocate Your Medical Beliefs Coping with Guilt Managing Guilt Stop Feeling Guilty Support & Resources Family Member Asking for Family Support Supporting a Friend Who is Caregiving Community Resources Finding and Connecting with Faith-Based Caregiving Resources Finding Caregiving Resources in Your Community Help! I Need Somebody Adult Sitter Eldercare Sitters Home Help Advocacy Services Hire Help That Works for You Home Services The Right Rehabilitation Therapist Counseling & Coaching Counseling for You Importance of Family Counseling Food, Fitness, & Wellness Healthy Foods & Recipes Elaine's Golden Spice Cupcakes Healthy Eating for Seniors Making the Most of Healthy Hispanic Meals Power Foods for You and Your Loved Ones Preparing Meals for Loved Ones with Cognitive Impairment Red Velvet Cupcakes Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program Keeping Fit & Strong Beat the Bulge Exercise: How to Stay Motivated Exercising When You’re Caring for Someone Else Hidden Fitness Managing Fatigue Tips for the “Exercise Newbie” Healthy Lifestyle A Medical Miracle in Your Hands African Americans’ Health: At Risk Have a Heart-Healthy Day Healthy Lifestyle Basics Impart a Legacy of Health Keeping Breasts Healthy Protecting the Health of African American Men Take Care of Your Bones The O Words: Overweight and Overfat…Basics of Weight Management The Winds of Health You Can Reduce Your Cancer Risks Overeating, Dieting, & Weight Loss Sleeplessness and Overeating Stressed and Overeating Comfort & Relaxation Relaxation & Meditation All About Respite Create Your Own Personal Space Give Yourself a Timely Break How I Embraced My Faith in Faith, My Caregiving Experience How to Meditate Reduce Stress with a Cup of Tea The Benefits of Meditation Caring for You 10 Tips to Care for YOU Becoming a Savvy Caregiver Bedside Duty: Taking Care of You When You’re on Call 24/7 Break the Glass Caregiver Hopes and Dreams Caregiving Lesson from the Garden Desert Rose Honoring Yourself While Caring For Another Intuition Prescription for Caregivers Reduce Stress, Feel Better: Your Health Is in Your Hands Self- Massage Storytelling as Self-Care Taking Care of Yourself The Fearless Caregiver Manifesto The Gift of Receiving: Learning to Accept Help Sleep Better & Reduce Insomnia Caregiving and Menopause Causes of Insomnia Healthy Ways to Get through a Day with No Sleep Insomnia & Sleep Apnea: Crib Sheet for Sleep Sleep Better With Exercise Worksheets, Tips, & Facts Checklists Where to Find My Important Papers Doctor’s Office Visit Checklist Making Medical Choices Questions to Ask Your Healthcare Provider Grief, Death, & Dying End of Life Care Being Present at the Time of Death Handling Emotions During End of Life Caregiving Learn To Control What You Can Managing Mean People During Times of Stress What Is Anticipatory Grief? What to Do for a Dying Loved One What You Cannot Control During End of Life Care Grief & Loss Handling Grief & Loss Are You Grieving, or Depressed? Death and Spirit How to Grieve When You Need to Work, Caregive, and Live Observing Grief What Is An Anniversary Reaction? What Is Normal Grief? When Grief is Not Resolved Holidays & Events Mother's Day Free Mother's Day e-Cards to Remind Mom to Take Care Gifts from the Heart National Month Observances April is National Stress Awareness Month May National Health Awareness & Observances Month October National Health Awareness & Observations September National Health Awareness & Observations National Family Caregiver's Month National Family Caregiver's Month White House Proclamation on National Family Caregiver's Month Father's Day Father’s Day Quotations Free Father’s Day e-Cards to Remind Dad to Take Care Thanksgiving 10 Tips to Avoid Thanksgiving Stress Hassle-Free Holidays Made to Order Christmas & Hanukkah Avoiding Family Caregiver Holiday Traps Five Tips for Holiday Fun Less is Best: Secrets to a Simply Happy Holiday January Most Depressing Day of the Year? Recognizing a SAD Loved One
Health Conditions
In this section, you'll learn the signs, symptoms, and basic facts about the most common Health Conditions caregivers care for.
Alzheimer’s Disease Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive, irreversible brain disorder with no known cure. Types Symptoms Treatment Anxiety Disorders Anxiety disorders are characterized by excessive, irrational dread of everyday situations. Types Symptoms Treatment Arthritis More than 100 forms of arthritis and other rheumatic diseases exist, but there are two major types: osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Types Symptoms Treatment Autism Autism is a complex neurobiological disorder that typically lasts throughout a person's lifetime. Types Symptoms Treatment Bipolar Disorder Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression, is a severe mental illness characterized by instances of wide mood swings with periods of normal mood in between. Types Symptoms Treatment Bladder Cancer Bladder cancer refers to any of several types of malignant growths of the urinary bladder. Types Symptoms Treatment Breast Cancer No one knows the exact causes of breast cancer, but according to the Types Symptoms Treatment Cancer Cancer is a condition that occurs when the cells in the body start to grow or change into abnormal cells. Types Symptoms Treatment Chronic Kidney Disease More than 20 million Americans – or one in nine adults – are estimated to have chronic kidney disease (CKD). Types Symptoms Treatment Chronic Pain Pain is the body’s response to injury. Types Symptoms Treatment Colon and Rectal Cancer In the United States, colon or rectal cancer is the fourth-most common cancer in men, after skin, prostate, and lung cancer. Types Symptoms Treatment Crohn’s Disease Crohn's disease is a chronic and serious inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract that affects more than 500,000 Americans. Types Symptoms Treatment Dementia Alzheimer’s disease accounts for more than half of elderly cases of dementia. Types Symptoms Treatment Depression Depression is a serious disorder that directly impacts a person’s ability to function in daily life. Types Symptoms Treatment Diabetes Diabetes is a condition that prevents your body from properly making or using insulin, which causes your blood sugar to be high. Types Symptoms Treatment Diarrhea and Constipation DiarrheaDiarrhea refers to loose, watery stools (bowel movements) occurring more than three times in one day. Types Symptoms Treatment Heart Disease Heart disease, including congestive heart failure, is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. Types Symptoms Treatment Heart Failure An often-misunderstood condition, heart failure is a relentless,chronic, progressive condition in which a weakened or damaged heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. Types Symptoms Treatment High Blood Pressure The more blood your heart pumps and the narrower your arteries, the higher your blood pressure. Types Symptoms Treatment HIV and AIDS HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that causes AIDS (Auto Immune Deficiency Syndrome). Types Symptoms Treatment Insomnia While many may attribute a restless night of sleep to a normal phenomenon of today’s busy and hectic schedules, insomnia is actually a sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling and/or staying asleep, or consistently waking up earlier than you need to. Types Symptoms Treatment Joint Pain & Arthritis Understanding the type of your joint pain is important when researching your treatment options. Types Symptoms Treatment Kidney Cancer (Renal cell carcinoma) Renal cell carcinoma is the most common form of kidney cancer arising from the renal tubule. Types Symptoms Treatment Lung Cancer Cancers that begin in the lungs are divided into two major types, non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer, depending on how the cells look under a microscope. Types Symptoms Treatment Lung Disease Lung disease is the third-most common killer in America, responsible for one in seven deaths. Types Symptoms Treatment Melanoma Melanoma is the most serious type of cancer of the skin. Types Symptoms Treatment Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) describes a group of cancers arising from lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell. Types Symptoms Treatment Obesity Obesity is categorized by having a BMI (body mass index) of more than 25 for men, or 29 for women. Types Symptoms Treatment Old Age As time goes on, the human body ages both on the inside and on the outside. Types Symptoms Treatment Osteoarthritis Seventy million Americans are affected by arthritis with more than 20 million affected by osteoarthritis (OA). Types Symptoms Treatment Osteoporosis Osteoporosis literally means “porous bone. Types Symptoms Treatment Pancreatic Cancer Most pancreatic cancers begin in the ducts that carry pancreatic secretions. Types Symptoms Treatment Prostate Cancer Of all the men who are diagnosed with cancer each year, about one-third have prostate cancer. Types Symptoms Treatment Schizoaffective Disorder People suffering from schizoaffective disorder experience a chronic roller-coaster ride of problems related to symptoms similar to both schizophrenia and affective disorders (formerly known as mood disorders). Types Symptoms Treatment Schizophrenia Schizophrenia is a severe mental illness described by the American Psychiatric Association as "one of the most debilitating and baffling mental illnesses known. Types Symptoms Treatment Skin Cancer (Non-melanoma) The two most common kinds of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Types Symptoms Treatment Skin Conditions As people grow older and their skin begins to age, a variety of skin conditions may arise. Types Symptoms Treatment Stroke Strokes occur when the blood supply to the brain is cut off or interrupted or a blood vessel in the brain bursts, spilling blood into spaces surrounding brain cells. Types Symptoms Treatment Vision and Hearing Loss VisionAge-Related Macular DegenerationThe most common vision condition that older adults experience is age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Types Symptoms Treatment

Community
Welcome to our Community! Pull up a chair, share your story, meet some new friends on our message boards, sign up for the newsletter, or just hang out.
Message Boards Meet caregiver friends in our café; find tips and advice; or simply browse our boards. Personal Stories Share your own story, and gain insight & inspiration from the experiences of others. Polls Take our polls and find caregiving tips, great inspirations, and more. Monthly Columns Learn how to be a "Savvy Caregiver," a "Fearless Caregiver," and more from our monthly columnists. Savvy Caregiver Fearless Caregiver Elaine's Dessert of the Month LeAnn's Caregiver Column
Daily Care
Find practical advice on keeping your loved one safe, communicating with healhcare professionals, real-world transportation tips, and more. It's all here in Daily Care!
Bathing & Skincare Hair Care Water-Free Shampoos & Other Handy Products Dental Care Good Dental Health for Your Loved One Feet & Hand Common Fungal Skin Infections Bathing Bathing Your Loved One Proper Drying & Moisturizing Safe Bathing Skin Conditions Caring for Skin Conditions Recognizing & Treating Bed Sores testw Bladder & Bowel Diarrhea Managing Diarrhea Constipation Managing Constipation Urinary Tract & Bladder Infections Managing Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) Incontinence Manage Incontinence with Appropiate Products Managing Incontinence Home Safety & Modifications Home Modifications Renovation Diary: Part II Renovation Diary: Part III Renovation Diary: Part IV Renovation Diary: Part I Home Safety Do a Home Safety Check Today Home Safety Checklist Emergency Systems Emergency Planning for Caregivers Personal Emergency Response Systems Preventing Falls & Injuries Lifting & Transferring Getting In and Out of the Car Safely How to Help Transfer Someone Safely How to Help Your Loved One Up and Down the Stairs Preventing Falls & Injuries Bed Rails, Gates, & More Preventing Falls & Fear Risk Factors for Falling Supporting Your Loved One’s Back in Bed Fraud Protection & Scam Protection Elder Abuse Fraud Protection: An Introduction to Elder Fraud and Scams Gone Phishin' Scams: Scam Protection & Fraud Protection for Seniors and Yourself Caring for Specific Conditions Mental Illness Caring for a Loved One with Mental Illness Finding a Psychiatrist Recognizing a SAD Loved One Understanding Depression Stroke After a Stroke: What to Do and Expect Heart Disease Caring for a Loved One with Heart Disease Diabetes Diabetes Type 2: Living with It Diabetes Type 2: Preventing It; Understanding It Diabetes: Managing Care for a Loved One with Diabetes Alzheimer's Disease Managing Meals for Loved Ones with Dementia Preparing Meals for Loved Ones with Cognitive Impairment Understanding Alzheimer's Disease Crohn’s Disease Coping with Crohn's Disease Family Life and Crohn’s Disease How Your Diet May Affect Your Crohn’s Disease Living with Crohn’s Disease: Reducing Stress Traveling with Crohn’s Disease Asthma Asthma: Caring for a Loved One with Asthma Cancer Managing Cancer Symptoms Arthritis Causes of Chronic Hip Pain Choosing an Orthopaedic Surgeon Healthy Hip Anatomy Is Hip Replacement Surgery Right for Me? Managing Chronic Pain Osteoarthritis Statistics Osteoarthritis Treatment Take Care of Your Bones HIV or AIDS Caring for a Loved One with AIDS Caring for Someone with HIV Managing Care for a Loved One with HIV or AIDS Monitoring Your Loved One's Treatment for HIV or AIDS Nutrition & Wellness for Loved Ones with HIV Taking Care of YOU When Caring for a Loved One with HIV or AIDS Autism Recommend Resources from Families of Adolescents and Adults with Autism Reflections from Adult Siblings who have a Brother or Sister with an Autism Spectrum Disorder Developmental Disabilities Aging With Developmental Disabilities: Changes in Vision Aging, Mental Retardation, and Physical Fitness Grandparents Raising Grandchildren with Developmental Disabilities Hearing Changes in Aging People with Mental Retardation Older Adults with Developmental Disabilities and Their Aging Family Caregivers Breast Cancer Caregiving for a Loved One with Breast Cancer Lung Cancer Caring for a Loved One with Lung Cancer Obesity Managing Care for an Obese Loved One Hypertension Caring for a Loved One with Hypertension Health Providers, Hospitals, Healthcare Doctors & Healthcare Professionals Caregiving is a Two-Way Street Finding an Elder-Friendly Physician Finding Dr. Right Getting the Most From Your Pharmacist Know Your Nurse Making the Most of Your Doctor Visit Navigating the Healthcare System Navigating the Insurance System Partnering With Your Doctor Put Out the Welcome Sign Second Medical Opinions: Just Do It The Patient’s Job Wanted: The Right Doctor Hospitals & Surgery Asking for Help from Family and Friends after Surgery Caregiving after Joint Replacement Surgery Hospital Discharge Planning How to Get Your Needs Met When a Hospital is Short-Staffed Is Joint Replacement Surgery Right for Me? Packing and Getting Ready for Your Loved One's Surgery Spreading the Word about Your Loved One’s Surgery Staying Active after Joint Replacement Surgery Tips to Prepare Elders for the ER When Your Elderly Loved One is in the Hospital Medications, Lab Tests, & Diagnosis Getting the Right Information about a Diagnosis and Medication Guide to Medications & Aging: Pharmacists & Polypharmacy Lab Tests, Results, and Planning for “Bad News” The Medication Makeover Communication Tips Communicating With Insurance Personnel Communicating Your Loved One’s Pain & Well-Being Communicating Your Loved One’s Symptoms During a Crisis How to Talk with Your Doctor about Embarrassing Medical Problems Telephone Tips & Techniques What is Health? When Your Parents Ignore Your Health Advice Your Home Medicine Cabinet: Making Sure it Works for You Technology Body Monitors: How, What, Why Finding Culturally Sensitive Care Find a Doctor Who Speaks Spanish Help Create Culturally-Sensitive Care for Your Loved One Practical Care Hospice & End-of-Life Care Hospice & End-of-Life Care What to Do for a Dying Loved One Transportation Home Delivery: Saving Time Taking Away the Keys Everyday Care Changing the Bedsheets Healing With Music Helping your Loved One Accept a Second Opinion Making Shared Time Enjoyable for All Memory Games Moving Tips: Making a Loved One's Move Less Stressful Old Age or Treatable Condition? Time for a Nursing Home Touch & Comfort Heal When Someone You Love is in Pain Long-Distance-Care Caregiving From Afar Helping From Far Away Long-Distance Caregiving First Aid & Wound Care Wound Care & Cleansing Treating Wounds Diabetes and Wound Care Proper Wound Cleansing Recognizing & Treating Bed Sores Hot & Cold Weather Situations 10 Tips to Beat the Heat Cold Exposure Do Sweat the Heat….Dehydration is Serious Extreme Heat and Your Health Frostbite: Symptoms & Treatment Heat (Sun) Exhaustion: Symptoms & Treatment Heat (Sun) Stroke: Treating & Preventing Sunburn: Treating & Preventing First Aid & CPR Breathing Problems: Performing CPR Broken Bones: Symptoms & Emergency Care Choking: Symptoms & Treatment Controlling Bleeding First Aid Shock: Handling & Treating Transporting an Injured Person
Housing
With so many housing options for seniors, it can be difficult to choose the right one for you and your loved one. We are here to help!We've compiled a list of some of the more common housing solutions—and explained the benefits, services, and the types of support (medical, daily needs, healthcare, etc.) you can expect.
Housing Comparison Chart Explore the different options for senior housing with our Housing Comparison Chart. Our chart is meant as a general guide to assist you with housing choices. Not all services apply to all facilities. Please check with any facility you consider for a list of specific amenities. Adult Day Care Adult day care refers to short-term environments where a senior can spend a day, an afternoon, or a weekend with other seniors and trained staff. Assisted Living Assisted living facilities are geared toward elderly adults who have trouble living at home independently, but don’t require constant support or care. Continuing Care Communities Continuing care communities, or continuing care residential communities (CCRC), are often called the “luxurious” choice for senior housing. Independent Living Independent living facilities, or active adult communities, typically cater to the needs of aging baby boomers. Nursing Homes Nursing homes are facilities geared toward elderly adults who need full-time care. Staying at Home Having your loved one stay at home is a wonderful option for caregivers who are able to incorporate this new role into their daily lives.
Money & Insurance
In Money & Insurance, you'll gain the practical advice you need to understand the insurance system and eldercare law, set a budget, and much more.
Financial Planning Prescription Plans Buying Safe Prescriptions Partnership for Prescription Assistance Together RX™ Budgeting Tips & Tricks Budgeting 101 Money-Saving Tips Negotiating with Healthcare Providers Watch Out for Rip-Offs Contracts & Agreements Be Careful What You Sign The Tool Kit Long-Term-Care Planning The Power of Open Communication Time for a Nursing Home Understanding and Using the Family and Medical Leave Act Legal Power of Attorney Durable Power of Attorney Planning for Incapacity Legal Documents to Consider The Time is Now (To Be Prepared To Care) Eldercare Lawyers