Welcome
This set of online resources is meant to help current and prospective caregivers of older adults find the information and resources they need to provide the best possible care for loved ones, and for themselves.
Most of this information will be away from this site, with links to offerings from government and non-profit agencies with expertise about caregiving and older adults.
This 2-minute video will provide an overview of what’s in the Resource Guide. You also can read an online overview of the guide or download the overview as a PDF.
New caregivers
If you are new to the role of caregiving, the resource page about Getting Started may be helpful for you.
Spanish Language Resources
Spanish language version of this guide has selected resources
Versión en español de la guía.
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Guidance on Specific Topics
Dementia
Caring for someone with dementia is particularly challenging. For these caregivers, the American Geriatrics Society’s Health in Aging Foundation’s resource page on dementia has information about causes, symptoms, diagnosis and other subjects. The Caregiver Action Network has an Alzheimer’s Caregiver Video Resource Center with links to short videos about different aspects of caring for those with Alzheimer’s or other dementia. And, of course, the Alzheimer’s Association itself has many resources about the topic, including a community resource locator with zip-code searching for many needed services.
Home-based care
Research shows that most older adults prefer to remain at home even when they are no longer fully independent. This means they need extra help, which frequently comes from family caregivers. For those who find themselves in such a caregiving role, AARP offers care-at-home resource guides, and so does the United Hospital Fund’s Next Step in Care program. Medicare & Medicaid offers a 32-page booklet (downloads as a PDF) that explains how to find and compare home health agencies, eligibility and other details about the Medicare home health benefit.
Getting support, respite and self-care
The demands of caregiving make it vital to get some help from others at times. The ARCH (Access to Respite Care and Help) National Respite Network and Resource Center offers a wide variety of resources including a respite care locator. The federal Administration for Community Living also has a support to caregivers page of resources while the American Geriatrics Society’s Health in Aging Foundation offers a resource page on caregiver health, including a Caregiver Self Assessment Questionnaire, and “tip sheets” on “How to Be the Best Caregiver You Can Be” and “Avoiding Caregiver Burnout.” The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) offers ideas for Caring for Yourself When Caring for Another.
More resources on finding support, information and education.
(Including Michigan- and New York-specific lists of respite providers, support groups and training classes.)
Nursing homes and assisted living
When home care is not feasible, the additional care from assisted living or skilled nursing facilities might come into play. The National Institute on Aging, part of the federal Department of Health and Human Services, offers background on residential facilities, assisted living, and nursing homes. The American Geriatrics Society’s Health in Aging Foundation also offers resources on assisted living
More resources on assisted living and nursing homes
(including resources to help find facilities in New York and Michigan).
Advocating for your loved one
Sometimes, not everything is going right with a service or provider and caregivers need outside help from others who can advocate for them. The federal Administration for Community Living empowering advocacy page has information and links to other agencies providing advocacy. So does the National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care.
More resources on advocacy
(including links to ombudsman programs from New York and Michigan).
Financial and legal matters
AARP has a financial and legal resources page, while the Administration for Community Living also offers guidance about legal assistance. Long-term care insurance provider Genworth is a good source of information about costs of care, with a Cost of Care Trends and Insights website and a Cost of Care Calculator based on a national survey. (Genworth is a leading provider of long-term care insurance.)
More resources on legal and financial matters
(including ones specific to New York and Michigan.
Geography-specific resources
The New York & Michigan Solutions Journalism Collaborative’s news coverage is focused on the Buffalo, NY; Rochester, NY; and Detroit, MI areas, and the Resource Guide includes some resources available specifically for Michigan residents or New York residents. These include some information specifically from the Buffalo, Rochester and Detroit areas. (Note: Some of these entries also can be found elsewhere in the guide. For example, the support group lists also can be found in the Respite Care and Support area.)