Caregivers' Guide

WASHINGTON COUNTY COMMISSION ON AGING, INC.
AREA AGENCY ON AGING
Maryland Access Point A GUIDE FOR FAMILY CAREGIVERS
August 2007 (7th edition)

Original edition: Diane Perry Revised and edited by: Emily Leclercq, Valerie Liss Designed by: Craig Gotschall Photo credits: www.comstock.com and www.ablestock.com This material was revised & reproduced with permission from the Howard County, Maryland Office on Aging for use by the Washington County Commission on Aging. Washington County Commission on Aging 140 W. Franklin Street, 4th floor Hagerstown, MD 21740 Phone: 301-790-0275 Fax: 301-739-4957 Email: wccoaging.org

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Special thanks to: Pam Bilal, Marsha Broaddus, Donna Cookson. Jeannine Giffin, Craig Gotschall, Madeleine Greene, Stephen Hannan, Barbara Harris, Karen Hull, Dot Keczmerski, Patti Kost, Jeannette Krapcho, Phyllis Madachy, Mary Omvig, Peggy Rightnour, Lisa Sarro, Jennifer Schwartz-Mitchell, Betty Totaro, Hazel Watson, and Mary Ann Wilkinson. This Publishing: 2/09

I. INTRODUCTION

The staff of the Washington County Commission on Aging recognizes the important role caregivers play in our community. We appreciate that the care each of you provides enriches the quality of life for another person. We know that while caregiving can be rewarding, it also can be stressful and taxing physically, emotionally and financially.

That’s why we have developed this guide to provide you with information and a list of community and other resources to assist you in caregiving; we hope you will find it helpful. If you do not find what you need in our guide, or if you have questions, you may contact us at the Maryland Access Point (MAP) of Washington County (301)790-0275. We will do what we can to help. Also, we’d like to hear from you about how we can make the guide more useful for caregivers.

If the person you care for lives outside of Washington County, perhaps in another state, you may want to contact the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116; or www.aoa.dhhs.gov for information about other agencies that can assist you. Keep in mind that whatever your situation, you do not have to face it alone. There are many other caregivers and a number of resources in Washington County and elsewhere that you can turn to for support. Refer to section VII for a list of community and other resources.

10 TIPS FOR FAMILY CAREGIVERS

1. Choose to take charge of your life, and don’t let your loved one’s illness or disability alwaystake center stage.
2. Remember to be good to yourself. Love, honor and value yourself. You’re doing a very hard job and you deserve some quality time, just for you.
3. Watch out for signs of depression, and don’t delay in getting professional help when you need it.
4. When people offer to help, accept the offer and suggest specific things that they can do.
5. Educate yourself about your loved one’s condition. Information is empowering.
6. There’s a difference between caring and doing. Be open to technologies and ideas that promote your loved one’s independence.
7. Trust your instincts. Most of the time they’ll lead you in the right direction.
8. Grieve for your losses, and then allow yourself to dream new dreams.
9. Stand up for your rights as a caregiver and a citizen.
10. Seek support from other caregivers. There is great strength in knowing you are not alone.