Welcome to Caregiving 101

Caring for a family member or friend is not easy, nor is it something most of us are prepared to do.  Like most people, you may have questions about your family member or friend’s illness or condition.  If you have a job and are juggling several responsibilities or if your family member or friend requires a lot of assistance, you may need help providing care for them.

Many caregivers feel alone, helpless, confused, unprepared and unable to provide for the needs of their family member or friend.  Learning about being a caregiver may help you feel supported and more comfortable with your role.  This section contains information and resources to help you learn more about being a caregiver and where to find additional help on the Internet and in your community.

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ARTICLES

Caregiving (80) Caring for a family member or friend is not easy, nor is it something most of us are prepared to do. Like most people, you may have questions about your family member or friend’s illness or condition. If you have a job and are juggling several responsibilities or if your family member or friend requires a lot of assistance, you may need help providing care for them. Many caregivers feel alone, helpless, confused, unprepared and unable to provide for the needs of their family member or friend. Learning about being a caregiver may help you feel supported and more comfortable with your role. This section contains information and resources to help you learn more about being a caregiver and where to find additional help on the Internet and in your community. Click on the following to connect to information for Caregiving. About you,Balancing Work & Family,Comfort & Relaxation,Counseling,End of Life Planning,Facts & Stats,Food, Fitness, & Wellness,Reducing Stress,Support Systems

Glossaries (5) Glossary of common terms and phrases encountered in dealing with caregiving.

Money, Insurance and Elder Law (52) Since retirement living decisions are becoming increasingly complex, seniors often find themselves searching for someone who can cater to their specific legal needs. An elder law attorney is an individual who specializes in areas of the law that are particularly relevant to senior citizens, caregivers and family members. Elder law consists of the following areas: estate planning, long-term care planning, social security, public and private pensions, Medicare, Medicaid, Medigap insurance, long-term care insurance, age discrimination, durable powers of attorney, living wills, conservatorship and guardianship, or elder abuse. Elder law attorneys are devoted to serving seniors and can offer an especially sensitive ear concerning the sometimes difficult decisions involved in aging. Elder law is a legal specialty to help seniors and their caregivers make the right decisions. As you browse through our articles, you will find information on various aspects of elder law including financial planning, trusts, wills, medigap, social security, medicare, and long term care. (The information provided is not intended to be legal advice, but merely conveys general information related to legal issues commonly encountered.) Advance Care Planning,Budgeting & Financial Planning,Elder Abuse,Government Benefits,Legal,Long Term Care,Medicare/Medicaid,Other Insurance

Safety & Daily Care (86) Today's seniors are more healthy and active than ever before. But, like everyone, they need to pay attention to health and safety risks. The following are safety prevention tips for the home, crime & elder abuse, traveling and tips for common problems facing older adults. Bathing & Skincare,Bladder & Bowel,Driving,End of Life Care,Fall Prevention,First Aid & Wound Care,Healthcare,Internet safety,Long-Distance Care

Senior Health (131) In this section, you'll learn the signs, symptoms, and basic facts about the most common Health Conditions caregivers care for. Please note: The information in this section cannot be substituted for advice from a doctor or healthcare professional. This information is provided solely as basic information and is not meant to indicate treatment, advice, or diagnosis. Always check with your doctor for specific medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment. Alzheimer’s Disease,Arthritis,Cancer,Chronic Kidney Disease,Chronic Pain,Copd,Crohn’s Disease,Dementia,Depression,Diabetes,Diarrhea and Constipation,Fitness & Nutrition,Heart Disease,High Blood Pressure,Long Term Care,Lung Disease,Mental Health,Obesity,Osteoporosis,Parkinson's,Skin Conditions,Sleep Disorders,Stroke,Vision and Hearing Loss

Senior Housing (24) There really is no place like home. When asked about their preference for housing, most seniors answer, "What l would really like to do is to stay right here." The person's own home represents security and independence to most Americans. Most housing, however, is designed for young. active and mobile people. To live at home, a person must, at the very least, have access to transportation, go shopping, cook. and do household chores. Many of us will lose one or more of these abilities as we grow older. There are many housing options for older adults who reach retirement age. They include remaining in their current residence, sharing a residence with others, moving to a retirement community or a congregate living facility. Individuals with mobility and health limitations may consider options offering personal care services such as continuing care retirement and assisted living facilities. A choice within these basic options depends upon one’s income, health status, and family situation. As you browse through our articles, you will find information on various aspects of senior living including assisted living, nursing homes, Alzheimer's facilities, home health agencies, geriatric care managers, guardianship services, hospice care, continuing care communities, adult day care. Adult Day Care,Alzheimers Care,Assisted Living,Continuing Care Communities,Independent Living,Nursing Homes,Staying at Home /Home Care

Senior Travel (49) Airline Travel Tips,Cruises,Medical Travel Tips,Money Tips,Safety & Security