Caregiver Information
Being a Caregiver is a real challenge! Old age is not for
sissies!
Where do you begin when someone you care for needs help?
You might start with suggestions from a doctor or
counselor. They can give you names of people to contact or
places to visit. Next, go see Darla Adams at the Senior
Center's Information and Assistance Desk. She is an
invaluable resource. You might look at the library, where
you will find all kinds of references and other books
dealing with aging and related subjects. Following those
references and asking the librarian for help can lead you to
further ideas, questions and solutions.
Read the classified ads; ask your friends for names.
Interview prospective helpers or visit prospective agencies
or facilities. Require references, and check them.
 Look carefully at this resource
information and see where it leads you.
Keep a notebook. Jot down names and
numbers, facts and ideas.
Check with a support group. There are
all kinds of support groups in the area and lots more not
over an hour away. There are meeting notices in the
newspapers and toll-free numbers for national
organizationsin this book.
Contact a church, a hospital or a
county agency. Each has resources and special people who can
help you. Check with adult services workers at the Welfare
offices regarding eligibility for Medi-Cal, and In-home
supportive services. You do not have to be penniless to
qualify for their help.
Consult with someone you know who is in
a similar situation. Use their successes and failures to
expedite your search. Most people are glad to share their
experiences to help someone else. And your turn to help may
come later.
Send for pamphlets, track down magazine
articles.
Advertise -- not just in the newspaper.
Every organization has a bulletin or newsletter. Let them
know what you need, whether it is information or a service
or something really unusual.
Networking, brainstorming, cross
referencing -- use them all. Don't get discouraged. If
someone cannot help you, ask if they will suggest someone
who can.
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