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Your father has
dementia, your mom falls periodically, and your
neighbor struggles with grocery shopping. They
all need your assistance now, in one way or
another. Before you realized it, you entered a
new phase of your life—caregiving.
You’ve probably heard the
word “caregiver” but what does it really mean? A
caregiver is a relative or friend who provides
care for an older or disabled adult. Caregiving
can be as intense as providing around the clock
care for a person with dementia, or as simple as
regularly picking up groceries for a neighbor.
Caregiving is important work
and it can be rewarding, but it can also be
overwhelming. You are not alone. An estimated
679,000 Minnesotans are caregiving for an older or
disabled adult.
Are you juggling the
competing demands of work and caregiving? You are
not alone the majority of caregivers are
employed. See tips on finding balance between work
and caregiving
English,
Spanish
Is it time to hold a family meeting? A "family
meeting" is a chance for spouses, partners,
children, and others to discuss the care of an
older family member. It helps families identify
needs, share responsibilities, and come up with a
plan that will best serve the older adult and
family as a whole. Steps for
Holding a Family Meeting.
Caregiving might have become part of your life
abruptly, or you might have gradually taken on
more and more responsibilities. The pressure of
caring for someone else can take a toll on your
health. Caregivers
often feel
anxious, overwhelmed and depressed.
Tips for caring for yourself
Does the person you are
caring for need help living at home?
Learn more about the Live Well at Home program
Could you use help with
day-to-day caregiving? The Minnesota Board on
Aging has seven regional Area Agencies on Aging
who are dedicated to addressing the needs of older
adults and their families by providing a range of
services and resources in local communities. Resources
for Caregivers
Are you caring for someone
with Alzheimer’s Disease or a related dementia?
At first you may be able to handle the
responsibilities yourself, but in time your family
member will need more help with everyday tasks.
MN Memory Care site.
Don’t struggle alone with your caregiving
responsibilities. More help is available than you
may realize. Discover the many resources available
in your area by visiting
www.MinnesotaHelp.Info® or calling the Senior
LinkAge Line®: A One Stop Shop for Minnesota
Seniors, at 1-800-333-2433.
Caregiver Links:
Minnesota Live Well At Home
www.mnlivewellathome.org
Administration on Aging Caregiver Resource Room
www.aoa.gov
Family Caregiver Alliance
www.caregiver.org
National Alliance for Caregiving
www.caregiving.org
National Family Caregiver’s
Association
www.thefamilycaregiver.org
NOVEMBER IS PROCLAIMED AS FAMILY CAREGIVER
MONTH
IN MINNESOTA
Read Governor Dayton's Proclamation
Minnesota's Caregiver Communication Kit
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