Feeling Overwhelmed?
An Overview of the Caregiving Experience

 

 

Caregiving can quickly become overwhelming. It helps to know what to expect and how to find local resources to help you. This page will give you a quick overview. Read down the page to cover the following information:

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Where do I start?

Evaluating your situation is the first step.

  • What is the condition of the person you are taking care of?
  • What are his or her needs?
  • How successful have you been in addressing those needs?
  • In what areas do you need help?
  • What outside assistance are you currently receiving?
  • Do you know what is available?
  • What is your condition as the caregiver?
  • What help do you need?

Checklists - Assessing Needs

Professionals who deal with families as they work through caregiving issues have developed checklists to help you evaluate your situation and that of your family member. They can help you assess the cognitive, emotional, social, and functional level of the person you are assisting. That, in turn, will help professionals to help you.

It also helps to see the assessment information in writing. When you see a family member decline, it may be such a gradual process that you don't fully realize their level of need and how much responsibility you have taken on.

 

When I have completed the checklists, what do I do then?

Identify services in your area that could help address the needs. Services may vary from state to state, agency to agency, and county to county.

The easiest way to identify what is offered in your area is to contact your local Area Agency on Aging. They will be able to connect you with local provider agencies and help you understand the array of services available.

Typically, within the local provider agency, Caregiver Specialists and/or Information & Assistance Specialists will be availabe to evaluate your needs, figure out what is available locally to fill those needs, get you connected with those resources, and work with you as you access those services and programs.

 

There are many types of services that may be offered. Some are listed below. The service definitions may vary slightly from state to state.

 

Definitions of the various services can help you decide what you need. The local agency providing the service will help you with registering for the service and understanding what you will need to do. It is worth noting that, for some services, funding is not sufficient to assist everyone requiring help. Therefore, you may encounter a waiting list for service.

Services may require a set fee, have a sliding fee scale, depend on voluntary contributions, or may have no fee requirements or requests. Paying for care is often a big concern for caregivers. We can help you to find information that will help you to know what resources are available to help you pay for needed care and relief.

Mother and Son
 If you belong to a faith community, check with them as well. Many faith communities are working with families to help relieve the caregiver burden. This help may come in various forms such as Adult Day Care, friendly visiting, respite, monetary assistance, etc.

 

 

I arranged for a few services but I still don't feel that it is enough.

Knowledge is valuable. By visiting available online websites and reading relevant books and articles, you give yourself valuable tools to continue to cope with your caregiving responsibilities.

One important thing to realize is that caregiving can be a stressful endeavor. Caregiving stress can be subtle and can go unnoticed until a crisis happens. So, you should be especially careful to take time for yourself.

It may be that you would benefit from talking to other caregivers online (ec-online or Empowering Caregivers) or through support groups. Sometimes it helps to find out how other people have handled situations and to know that you are not alone.
Woman

 

 

This still seems overwhelming to me!

Caregiver Specialists are there to help. They have been hired by the local Councils or Departments on Aging. Each Area Agency on Aging usually has a Caregiver Specialist on staff as well.

Call and discuss the results of your evaluation with them. If even that seems like to much to handle, they can assist you with your emotional and mental health needs as well. They will help you help both your family member and yourself.

Remember to be completely honest with them. Don't be embarrassed to share with them how you are feeling and coping with your situation and any specific problems you may be having. Anything you share will be held in confidence and they will not judge you or the situation you find yourself in. They want to help you which is why they have chosen this career.

Their services are provided free of charge though you may make a voluntary contribution.

 

Caregiver Specialist

 

Care Managers

Care Managers are another available option. They provide professional assistance for older adults with complex care needs and/or their families in accessing, arranging and coordinating the package of services needed to enable the older adult to remain at home.

 

Caregivers often have questions in the following three areas:

 

We hope this information is helpful. If you need additional information, please feel free to contact us. We also invite you to explore the information presented elsewhere on this website.

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