Elder Caregiver Support Guide

Why Support for Caregivers Is Needed

Caring for the elderly can have a profound impact on caregivers, creating both positive and challenging experiences.

Providing care can be incredibly rewarding at times, as caregivers often create special bonds with the loved one or nursing home residents they’re supporting and may gain a new perspective on life.

However, caregiving can also be physically and emotionally draining and present many other difficulties.

Possible effects of caregiving include:

• Fatigue, exhaustion, and burnout
• Feeling overworked and underpaid
• Inability to maintain a normal life
• Increased levels of stress, anxiety, and depression
• Weakened immune system and increased risk of health problems

These outcomes can be particularly noticeable in facilities that have staff shortages, high staff turnover, few onsite managers, or too many residents per caregiver.

In a home setting, caregivers may become overwhelmed when caring for a loved one who requires around-the-clock care or if they have little support. In many cases, they may still have to work a regular job while caring for an elderly relative.

Home caregivers may also feel the emotional burden of watching a loved one’s health deteriorate.

General Caregiver Resources

There are many websites that provide valuable information to assist caregivers with managing stress and improving their overall well-being.

These resources include:

• AARP: The American Association of Retired Persons has information on coping with guilt when a loved one moves to a nursing home, finding a caregiver support group, and more.
• Caregiver Action Network (CAN): CAN is a nonprofit that provides support and information to family caregivers of all kinds. Check out its Family Caregiver Toolbox, which is filled with resources on the basics of caregiving, caregiving while working, financial and legal tools, and more.
• Eldercare Locator: Sponsored by the U.S. Administration on Aging, this website helps caregivers find services for older adults. Caregivers can find information geared toward them in the “Caregivers Corner.”
• Family Caregiver Alliance: This site’s mission is to improve the quality of life for family caregivers and the people who receive their care.
• Mental Health Resources for Caregivers: The nonprofit organization Mental Health America has information on how all types of caregivers can take steps to boost their mental health.
• National Alliance for Caregiving: This national organization is dedicated to raising awareness and advocating for family caregivers through research and support. Their “Portraits of Caregiving in the U.S.” shines a spotlight on individual caregiver stories.
• U.S. Department of Health and Human Resources: This government website has a list of resources to help people caring for an aging or ill family member or friend.

Magazines and Newsletters for Elder Caregivers

Magazines and newsletters can offer updates and news on the industry along with other information that may be helpful to caregivers.

Magazines and newsletters for senior caregivers include:

• Connections Newsletter: Sponsored by Family Caregiver Alliance, this newsletter provides tips and information for those caring for relatives. Topics include caregiving and depression, making a caregiving plan, and dealing with grief.
• HomeCare: This monthly magazine provides information for professional home care providers.
• Today’s Caregiver: This free magazine celebrates family caregivers. Topics covered include staying fit as a caregiver, finding the right home care agency, patient rights, and more.