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Home > Advocate > Caregiver > Caregiver Information

Caregiver Information

Caregiver Services include a wide variety of services that "wrap-around" you — the caregiver — addressing your individual needs and preferences. Below are listed some of the more popular caregiver services and some new services. The caregiver journal is a useful tool for caregivers who are managing and coordinating the care of another person.

What do Caregiver Services Cost? These services are very affordable for all income levels. They are usually no or low cost, and also covered under the Medical Assistant Elderly Waiver and Alternative Care Programs. To help make these services affordable, many providers also offer a sliding fee scale based upon income. They can be purchased or used individually, as you need them.

Finding good, useful information is very important when helping another person. You will need information as you start caring for another, and different information as you progress along. Information needed by most caregivers includes: the disease process, legal issues, finding help in the community, family support and advocacy, health insurance coverage, etc. Once you find good resource or contact points, continue to use them and build off of them. Network with others and constantly ask questions of your resource points until you get what you need.

Resources of Good Information —

• The Senior LinkAge Line™ at 1-800-333-2433 and www.minnesotahelp.info™. – these resources have information about all caregiver services in your local community.
• Long-term Care Consultants at your county human services office
• Medications and Health Conditions – www.nlm.nih.gov, www.medlineplus.gov
• The American Association of Retired Persons
• Disease-specific organizations such as the Alzheimer’s, stroke, heart, multiple sclerosis, and cancer society.
• Other caregivers, nurses, physicians, pharmacists, rehabilitation therapists, accountants, attorneys, social workers, hospitals, home health agencies, social service agencies, care coordinators, your medical clinic, your religious organization, etc. The practical knowledge and expertise from these sources will be invaluable to you.
• For veterans, contact the Veteran’s Administration

CAREGIVER CONSULTANT, COORDINATOR, OR COACH –  a brand new service that works directly with you, the caregiver helping you find the best ways to provide quality care while maintaining a healthy, balanced lifestyle. This is an individualized service for the caregiver. It offers planning, coordination, education and training, trouble-shooting, individual and family counseling, advocacy, emotional support, assistance with care management, financial and legal issues, etc. For more information visit: http://www.eldercarepartners.org/services.htm.

SUPPORT GROUPS – provided by a variety of organizations including some medical clinics, disease organizations, employers, and faith-based communities. Support groups help family caregivers learn to manage stress, learn about the disease process, gather information, share experiences, gain emotional support, find community help, meet new people, stay connected to the community.  Online support groups are also available.

• Senior Federation listing of Caregiver services 
• Eldercare Partners Calendar
• Central Minnesota Area Agency on Aging listing of support groups 
• Alzheimer’s Association support groups

Caregiver training and education services are an excellent way to learn about caregiving and develop new skills in caring for a family member. Good training and information can help you keep a family member living at home longer and help keep you healthy and maintaining your stamina. Training and education opportunities are varied across organizations.

√ Getting Started: attend this new education program, "As Families Grow Older" supported by the Minnesota Board on Aging and now being offered statewide. Call the Senior LinkAge Line at 1-800- 333-2433 to find out where you can attend this program and of other educational programs in your community.

√ Check out these web sites for other education and training programs: Alzheimer’s Association, Arthritis, Cancer Society, Diabetes, American Red Cross, American Heart Assn., Lou Gehrig’s Disease, American Lung Assn., Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s Disease, Minnesota Stroke Assn.

√ Check with your employer, faith-based organization, clinic, community center, community education programs, or local newspaper for any caregiver education programs.

Respite services allow you to get a break from your caregiving duties. All caregivers need a break. This service has been used by caregivers for years. These services are constantly being improved in order to meet your needs. There are respite services that can help you on a regular schedule during the week, for overnight situations, and even for urgent, unplanned occasions. Respite services can be in or out-of-home. These services are provided by trained licensed or unlicensed providers. There are many options available.

• For families needing respite