Getting Started
Perhaps you need some basic information about elder* care. Or you're looking for a local agency that provides eldercare resources and services. Or you're worried about how to finance eldercare needs now or in the future. In any case, you've come to the right place.
The Caregiver's Handbook is specifically designed to help you navigate the complexities of eldercare information and services. It provides practical, immediate guidance on managing a variety of care situations — everything from minimal or moderate needs for assistance, to caring for a chronically ill or critically ill elder with significant ongoing needs. The Handbook can also help you plan ahead for the anticipated care of a spouse, a relative, and even yourself.
Before you begin exploring the details, take a few moments to review this introductory section for some basics:
- Learn how to start a conversation about your elder's diminishing abilities in a sensitive and constructive way.
- Prepare yourself for the challenge ahead.
- Get tips on eldercare services and managing the details.
- Tap into the network of gateway organizations that coordinate eldercare throughout the U.S.
- Discover the wide variety of local groups that may be able to help
Who is a caregiver?
You are a caregiver if you are a close family member (spouse, domestic partner, child, sibling, or relative), friend or neighbor, and:
- You manage a variety of tasks, from personal care and managing the checkbook to taking blood pressure and giving medication
- You care for healthy elders or elders who are chronically or acutely ill
- You provide direct service and/or organize and monitor the care others provide
- You provide care in the home, hospital, rehab center, retirement community, nursing home, or other setting
- You provide help intermittently, regularly, and/or on a 24/7 basis
- You live with, near, or far away from the elder in your care
Using this Web Site
- Basic navigation. The left-hand table of contents column lists each chapter in the Handbook. To open a chapter, simply click the title. Once the chapter is open, you can click subtitles in the left-hand column to jump to specific sections.
- Quick Guide. The Quick Guide at the top right corner of the screen creates a customized list of content based on your specific needs. To use it, click "Quick Guide" and answer the questions.
- Printing. To print the page that is currently open, click the Print icon in the upper right corner.
- Downloading the Handbook. On the Outreach and Partners page, you can download this Handbook as a PDF document, as well as the handouts referenced in these pages.
Networking with Caregivers
If you want to talk with caregivers who are in similar situations, the AARP Web site has online forums where you can ask and answer questions, share your caregiving experiences, and learn from others. There's even an online group dedicated to discussing Caring for Your Parents.
*Note: The term "elder" is used throughout the Handbook to refer to an older parent, relative, or friend in your care.
The Caregiver's Handbook is a co-production of WGBH and MIT Workplace Center.
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