Resource Roundup: Caring for the Caregiver
Overwhelming. All-consuming. Stressful.
Those are just some of the words that people often use to describe their experience as unpaid caregivers for family members, friends or neighbours.
Here in Rhode Island, it’s estimated that nearly 160,000 people – more than 22% of adults – play the role of unpaid caregiver. Whether it’s a parent or a spouse’s parent, a friend or a grandchild, these caregivers are often approaching their senior years themselves as they help others with needs related to old age, cognitive impairment or diseases like cancer.
Unpaid caregivers play an invaluable role in society, but their caring comes with a cost. Stress and burnout take a physical and mental toll on caregivers, and addressing this challenge is easier said than done.
Fortunately, there are many resources and programs available in RI for caregivers.
Coming up soon:
- AARP Rhode Island has an upcoming 2-part series on avoiding caregiver burnout on November 9 & 10th.
- The Caring for Family Caregivers conference is coming up on November 18th, via Zoom. This year’s theme is “Getting through the glitches.”
Ongoing programs & resources:
- CareBreaks Respite Services offers short breaks from the daily responsibility of caring for a disabled child, adult or elder loved one. It’s operated by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence.
- The Alzheimer’s Association runs a wide variety of support groups (being held virtually or by phone right now). Find a group that’s in your geographic area or supports your particular situation.
- The Alzheimer’s Association Helpline offers 24/7 multilingual support including caregiving tips and respite care options.
- The annual Caregiver’s Journey Conference website has a variety of recordings of past presentations available to watch for free.
- Community Health Network offers free virtual workshops. Powerful Tools for Caregivers is an award-winning educational program led by trained peer leaders, where participants learn to balance caring for others and themselves, better communications strategies, how to use community resources more effectively, and more.
You can also contact Point, Rhode Island’s free healthy aging helpdesk, for more support in finding local resources. Call 211 or (401) 462-4444.