Care Partner Tips
Pro tip: print out this tip sheet or this one and hang them where you will see them often.
Caregiver Self-Assessment
Caregivers are often so concerned with caring for the relative’s needs that they lose sight of their own well-being. Please take just a moment to answer the questionnaire. Once you have answered the questions, turn the page to do a self-evaluation.
Community Caregiver Support
Caregiver stress is due to the emotional and physical strain of caregiving. Caregivers report much higher levels of stress than people who are not caregivers. Learn more about the signs and symptoms and what you can do to prevent caregiver stress.
Family Caregiver Support from Southern Maine Agency on Aging
The Family Caregiver Support Program can help you:
- Explore options and plan for future care needs
- Learn tips on how to take care of yourself
- Get ideas on how to balance caregiving with family and work
- Identify available resources to help provide the care and assistance your person needs
- Reduce your stress and anxiety
Click Here to learn more about available resources
SeniorsPlus Caregiver Support Groups
Dates & Times:
- Second Monday of each month from 5:30-7:30PM
- Last Thursday of each month from 8:30-10:00AM
Location: Zoom or Telephonic
Our caregiver support groups offer a safe place for caregivers, family, and friends to meet and develop a mutual support system. Participation can be an empowering experience. Due to current public health concerns, the group will meet over the phone vs in-person.
To register, email edcenter@seniorsplus.org or call 795-4010.
Alzheimer’s Association New England Resources for Caregivers
The Alzheimer’s Association’s New England chapters have developed resources to help those with Alzheimer’s, dementia and their caregivers navigate the challenges presented by the COVID-19 crisis. We’ve created tip sheets, virtual education programs and support groups, and a new series called “Caring Conversations” – all to help you and your loved one during this difficult time. In addition, our 24/7 Helpline is available for around-the-clock care and support at (800) 272-3900.
Click here to see the resources
Caring For Your Loved One
AgingME curated this collection of resources from AgingME partners and the national Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program network.
Protect Your Loved Ones From Falling
Every second of every day, an older adult falls. Many of these falls cause injuries, loss of independence, and in some cases, death. Falls can be prevented. As a family caregiver, you can help. Learn More
Depression in Older Adults: Know the Signs, Ask for Help
Depression is:
- NOT a normal part of aging
- NOT the same thing as normal grief after loss
- NOT a sign of weakness of being ‘crazy’
Learn More About Depression in Older Adults
More Tips for Preventing Depression and Loneliness
Care To Talk?: Ways to Spark Conversations When Caring for a Loved One
The role of a family caregiver is complex and challenging. Whether you’re caring for a parent, spouse, relative, close friend or neighbor, the number of tasks can sometimes feel overwhelming. To compound this, family caregivers often lack the skills to start or sustain vital conversations with those they care for because these discussions are often difficult and uncomfortable. That’s why AARP created Care To Talk?TM conversation cards (Family edition) — a 52-card deck of discussion topics available in English and Spanish meant to spark meaningful dialogue between caregivers and care recipients and address important life issues and long-term healthcare plans.
Learn More And Request A Sample Pack
National Institute on Aging Alzheimer’s Resource Center
National Institute on Aging developed Alzheimers.gov in collaboration with people living with dementia, caregivers, advocates, researchers, and others. The new, informative, easy-to-use, and empowering website aims to educate and support people whose lives are touched by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. The website serves as the federal government portal for dementia information and resources.
Explore the website to find:
- Information about Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
- Tips and resources for caregivers and people living with dementia
- Updates on what the federal government is doing to address Alzheimer’s and related dementias
- Clinical trials and studies you can join to help advance ways to treat and prevent dementia
- Resources for health care providers, community and public health workers, and researchers
Dementia Training: First Responders and Care Partners
The Florida State University College of Medicine is excited to share a dementia training resource that the GWEP REACH Program, the Dementia Care and Cure Initiative (specifically TMH Memory Disorder clinic and the Alzheimer’s Project), and Aging Advocate have created to educate first responders and family care partners. This 22 minute video explains the basics of dementia, communication tips and supportive interventions, critical thinking strategies, and ways that families can be prepared when crisis situations occur. This content is especially relevant during times of restricted support for persons with dementia due to COVID-19.
GWEP REACH kindly asks those who watch the video to please give your feedback in a brief survey: Click here to complete the survey
Technology
Aging Well With Technology
With technology changing constantly, it can be difficult to stay connected and get the most out of the computer tools available to you. The Aging Well with Technology curriculum from the National Digital Equity Center includes an extensive list of FREE online computer skills classes to help you develop new skills.
CLICK HERE to browse the class offerings, learn more about upcoming computer skills classes, and to register online for FREE!