Family Caregiver Resources



A Guide for Caregivers: Managing Major Changes

Creators:

National Multiple Sclerosis Society

Purpose:

Overview of issues faced by caregivers of people with MS

Audience:

Family caregivers of individuals with Multiple Sclerosis

Contents:

Part I: Practical Decisions; Part II: Emotional Support; Part III: Resources

Cost:

Free

Availability:

[http://www.nationalmssociety.org/living-with-multiple-sclerosis/relationships/caregivers/download.aspx?id=155]

A Guidebook for Caregivers of Children and Adolescents

Creators:

National Alliance on Mental Illness, NH Chapter

Purpose:

Help caregivers of children with severe mental illness and/or emotional disorders

Audience:

Caregivers of children with severe mental illness and/or emotional disorders

Contents:

Resource book contains science-based information, skills, strategies, and supports

Cost:

$20.95 for a hard copy of the guidebook, or free online

Availability:

Available at [http://naminh.org/documents/ChildGuide2007.pdf]

Alzheimer's and Dementia DVD

Creators:

Program Development Associates. Resource # DVD ADCD612W. 2002. 57 minutes.

Purpose:

Education

Audience:

Families and adult children who care for people with Alzheimer's disease and dementia

Contents:

DVD program presents examples of caregivers who have learned to cope effectively with stresses, restoring balance in their own lives. The importance of caregiver support groups and other outlets for the discussion of problems is closely examined.

Cost:

149.95

Availability:

[http://www.disabilitytraining.com/product-info.php?Alzheimer_s_and_Dementia_DVD-pid195.html]

Caregiver information for caregivers of people with Alzheimer's or dementia. Caregiver's Friend: Dealing with Dementia

Creators:

Oregon Center for Applied Science

Purpose:

Offers help to family caregiver on issues of caring for a relative with dementia

Audience:

Family caregivers of relatives with dementia

Contents:

CD-rom with printable articles on caring for a relative with dementia.

Evidence based results:

In a clinical trial, family caregivers who watched Dealing with Dementia were less depressed and exhibited less strain - even thirty days after viewing it - than were caregivers who did not use the program. Viewers also became more comfortable reaching out for help from family, friends, and community programs.

Cost:

39.99

Availability:

Available at [http://www.hcimarketplace.com/products/description.html?index=35]

Caregiver information for caregivers of people with Alzheimer's or dementia. Chinese Caregiver DVD & Workbook in Mandarin with English Subtitles

Creators:

Stanford Geriatric Education Center

Purpose:

Education

Audience:

Chinese-American dementia caregivers

Contents:

2.5 hour DVD in Mandarin Chinese provides education about dementia, delivered by a Chinese gero-psychiatrist, and offers a series of specific scenarios about common behavior problems - depicting both "less helpful" and "more helpful" ways of responding to the situations.

Evidence based results:

A study showed that the DVD was an effective intervention for improving caregivers' knowledge of Alzheimer's disease and for reducing their stress and burden from managing the common problems.

Cost:

DVD and notebook cost $25

Availability:

Available at [http://sgec.stanford.edu/store.html]

Caregiver information for caregivers of people with Alzheimer's or dementia. Counseling the Alzheimer's Caregiver: A Resource for Health Care Professionals.

Creators:

Mittelman MS, Epstein C, Pierzchala A. Chicago: AMA Press, 2003.

Purpose:

Education

Audience:

Healthcare professionals, families and adult children who care for people with Alzheimer's disease and dementia

Contents:

Book provides specific strategies helping caregivers to meet the daily and long-term challenges of caring for a patient with Alzheimer's Disease. Manual covers issues from diagnosis to end of life, and how to coach caregivers to cope effectively.

Cost:

39.25

Availability:

[http://www.amazon.com/Counseling-Alzheimers-Caregiver-Resource-Professionals/dp/1579472621/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s;=books&qid;=1218787541&sr;=1-1]

Caregiver information for caregivers of people with Alzheimer's or dementia. National Caregiver Training Program.

Creators:

Program Development Associates. Resource # DVD NCTP824W. 1998-2008

Purpose:

Training

Audience:

Family caregivers

Contents:

Administrator Manual, Instructor Manual, Support Materials Manual, 11 Quick Tips for Caregivers textbook, 9 DVDs: Bedrest, Safe Wheelchair Use, Medications, Infection Control, Personal Care, Caregiver Wellness and Vital Signs, Fire Safety and Fall Prevention. A twenty-one hour course that provides high-quality, hands-on training in essential care skills for family caregivers and volunteers.

Cost:

2495

Availability:

[http://www.disabilitytraining.com/product-info.php?National_Caregiver_Training_Program_DVD_Set-pid362.html]

Caregiver information for caregivers of people with Alzheimer's or dementia. National Institute of Aging (NIA). Caregiver guide.

Creators:

National Institute on Aging

Purpose:

Education

Audience:

Families and adult children who care for people with Alzheimer's disease and dementia

Contents:

Online publication provides strategies to deal with the everyday activities of someone with Alzheimer's.

Cost:

free

Availability:

Free download available at: [http://www.nia.nih.gov/Alzheimers/Publications/caregiverguide.htm]

Caregiver information for caregivers of people with Alzheimer's or dementia. Taking Care of Yourself: Managing Stress as a Caregiver

Creators:

Alzheimer's Association

Purpose:

Helps AD caregivers identify and manage stress

Audience:

AD caregivers

Contents:

Online brochure describing 10 ways to be a healthier caregiver.

Cost:

Free and available online

Availability:

Available at [http://www.alz.org/national/documents/brochure_caregiverstress.pdf]

Caregiver information for caregivers of people with Alzheimer's or dementia. The 36-Hour Day: A Family Guide to Caring for a Person With Alzheimer's Disease, Related Dementing Illnesses, and Memory Loss in Later Life

Creators:

Mace NL, Rabins PV. Johns Hopkins University Press, 2006

Purpose:

Education

Audience:

Families and adult children who care for people with Alzheimer's disease and dementia

Contents:

Book contains: Information on diagnostic evaluation; Resources for families and adult children who care for people with dementia; Updated legal and financial information; The latest information on nursing homes and other communal living arrangements; New information on research, medications, and the biological causes and effects of dementia.

Cost:

11.53

Availability:

[http://www.amazon.com/36-Hour-Day-Alzheimer-Disease-Dementias/dp/0801885094/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s;=books&qid;=1218787256&sr;=1-1]

Caregiver Resource Directory

Creators:

Beth Israel Net of Care

Purpose:

A practical guide intended to help family caregivers feel less alone and overwhelmed. It offers resources, facts, and advice about caring for a loved one, as well as the caregiver.

Audience:

Caregivers

Contents:

Print or online booklet

Cost:

Print copy availble and available free online

Availability:

Available at [http://www.netofcare.org/content/default.asp#caregiver]

Caregiver Stress FAQ

Creators:

U.S. Dept of Health and Human Servicdes, Office on Women's Health

Purpose:

Recognize symptoms of caregiver stress

Audience:

Family cargivers

Contents:

Frequently asked questions and answers about caregiver stress

Cost:

Free

Availability:

[http://www.4women.gov/FAQ/caregiver.pdf]

Caregiver Wellness DVD

Creators:

Program Development Associates. Resource #DVD HCCD9811W. 2004. 36 minutes

Purpose:

Education

Audience:

Caregivers

Contents:

DVD video provides tools and resources to help caregivers transform stress and maintain wellness. Topics Include: The importance of maintaining wellness; Acknowledging and defusing difficult emotions; Goal-setting and action plans; Simple, effective exercises for relaxation and renewal; Activities that foster self-esteem and well-being; The role of respite.

Cost:

139.95

Availability:

[http://www.disabilitytraining.com/product-info.php?Caregiver_Wellness_DVD-pid350.html]

Caregiver's Handbook: A guide to caring for the ill, elderly, or disabled and yourself

Creators:

Harvard Health, Harvard Medical School

Purpose:

The Caregiver's Handbook will help you organize, tap into community resources, address legal, medical and financial issues, as well as help you in meeting your own needs and those of your family.

Audience:

Caregivers

Contents:

This report offers detailed information on putting together a caregiving plan, talking to your loved one about the situation, drawing on resources in the community, and addressing legal, medical, and financial planning issues. There's also a questionnaire to help caregivers assess the needs of the person they're caring for and advice on handling daily tasks, like meals and hygiene. There are also tips and suggestions on maintaining caregiver well-being.

Cost:

Cost: $16 for a print version or electronic PDF, or $24 for both

Availability:

[http://www.health.harvard.edu/special_health_reports/Caregivers_Handbook.htm]

CAREgiving Help (Caring, Assistance, Resources, Education) Educational Modules

Creators:

Council for Jewish Elderly, Chicago

Purpose:

Various educational modules of text (some with accompanying video) to help caregivers with issues including task breakdown, lifting and transferring, and avoiding falls

Audience:

Caregivers for elderly

Contents:

Online video trainings, some with text

Cost:

Available free online after signing-in to website (can be done as 'guest')

Availability:

Available at [http://www.caregivinghelp.org/educational_modules/default.php]

Caregiving in Rural Communities

Creators:

Rosalynn Carter Caregiving Institute

Purpose:

12 tips for rural caregivers to help them feel less isolated and better prepared for the daily demands of caring for a loved one

Audience:

(Rural) family caregivers

Contents:

Online booklet describes 12 tips for caregivers in rural communities.

Cost:

Free online

Availability:

Available at [http://www.rosalynncarter.org/UserFiles/RCI_JJ_RuralpgsF1.pdf]

Caregiving Near Life's End

Creators:

The Hospice of the Florida Suncoast

Purpose:

This intensive train-the-trainer program provides comprehensive information on designing and implementing outreach and marketing of caregiver programs, and a complete list of resources for trainers and caregivers

Audience:

Family members and informal caregivers

Contents:

A full trainer's curriculum, participant handouts, resources for trainers, resources for caregivers and activities that are interactive, facilitated and/or self-directed. Included with each trainer's toolkit is a CD with the content of the printed manual for easy adaptation of curriculum and handouts.

Availability:

Available by calilng (727) 523-4144, or toll free (877) 523-4144. More information at [http://www.suncoastinstitute.org/Education.aspx#Orientation]

Caring for you, caring for me: Education and support for family and professional caregivers

Creators:

Rosalynn Carter Institute

Purpose:

Addresses the needs of family and professional caregivers by bringing them together in a relaxed setting to discuss common issues, share ideas, and gain a better understanding of each other's perspective on what it means to be a caregiver.

Audience:

Family and professional caregivers

Contents:

10-hour program, conducted in five two-hour modules. The Program Guide contains a scripted narrative of the content and suggested activities; handouts for program participants; mock-ups of overhead transparencies and a CD containing slides to support presentation; written material explaining the philosophy, organization and appropriate use of the program; and appendices with supplementary information.

Evidence based results:

The program was developed as part of a demonstration grant funded by The Pew Charitable Trusts in the mid-1990s. Content information developed for the program was based on a 1993 research study conducted by the RCI, review of relevant literature and existing programs for caregivers, and information from a task force of professional caregivers, family caregivers, and academicians.

Cost:

Program guides costs $55 USD.

Availability:

Available for order at [http://www.rosalynncarter.org/product/]

Dementia Caregiver's Training DVD Package

Creators:

Program Development Associates. Resource #Package DCTP713W. 2006

Purpose:

Training

Audience:

Caregivers for people with dementia

Contents:

1 book and 2 DVDs. This package features two staff training DVDs (Alzheimer's Disease and Straight Talk About Dementia) and a manual with reproducible handouts that reinforce the videos.The Alzheimer's Disease manual and DVD were created by Drs. Kim and Gail Petersen, who have worked with dementia patients and their families for over 25 years.

Cost:

139.95

Availability:

[http://www.disabilitytraining.com/product-info.php?Dementia_Caregiver_s_Training_DVD_Package-pid857.html]

Educated Caregiver DVD

Creators:

Program Development Associates. Resource # Package ECGD749W. 1998/2004.

Purpose:

Training

Audience:

Family caregivers

Contents:

3 DVDs. In The Educated Caregiver video series, you'll meet others who know what you're going through - and who share their experiences, insights and advice. From them and from healthcare professionals, you'll learn skills and valuable strategies for taking care of yourself and your loved one.
VOLUME 1 - COPING SKILLS
VOLUME 2 - HANDS-ON SKILLS
VOLUME 3 - ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE

Cost:

Sale price of $12.49; limited quantities available and all sales final

Availability:

[http://www.disabilitytraining.com/product-info.php?Educated_Caregiver_DVD-pid186.html]

Eldercare at Home

Creators:

American Geriatrics Society Foundation for Health in Aging

Purpose:

The book is a tool for caregivers who are working in consultation with a health care professional in providing home care for an older person. The book gives clear, practical instructions for dealing with common caregiving problems and supports a problem-

Audience:

Home-based caregivers

Contents:

Hard copy book; presentation package (PowerPoints and handouts); plain text online version. Table of contents includes information for the caregiver; physical problems; mental and social problems; managing care.

Cost:

Plain text version (without illustrations) available free of charge online

Availability:

Available at [http://www.healthinaging.org/public_education/eldercare/]

ElderStay@home Home Caregiving Skills for Families DVDs

Creators:

Schmieding Center for Senior Health and Education

Purpose:

Teaches family caregivers how to help loved one competently, safely and compassionately.

Audience:

Family caregivers

Contents:

3 DVD trainings and 48 page companion booklet teaching 57 physical homecare skills

Cost:

$99.99 plus s/h and tax

Availability:

[http://www.schmiedingcenter.org/caregiver_skilltraining.php]

Empower Online

Creators:

Mather LifeWays

Purpose:

Provides family caregivers with the skills and confidence to better care for themselves while caring for others

Audience:

Family and friends caring for adults with long-term conditions (e.g., AD, Parkinson's, stroke)

Contents:

Delivered through Mather LifeWays via an eight week online educational course.

Cost:

150

Availability:

Available at [http://www.matherlifeways.com/re_ptc.asp]

Family Caregiver Handbook

Creators:

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services

Purpose:

To serve as a guide for family and other unpaid caregivers who care for an adult or senior with disabilities.

Audience:

Family and unpaid caregivers.

Contents:

Information on providing day-to-day care; safety in the home; enhancing daily life; emotional challenges of caregiving; where to turn when help is needed; choosing residential care; paying for a care facility; and planning for tomorrow.

Cost:

Free on the web

Availability:

[http://www.dshs.wa.gov/pdf/Publications/22-277.pdf ]

Guide for Caregivers

Creators:

National Parkinson Foundation

Purpose:

Overview of issues faced by caregivers of people with Parkinson's disease

Audience:

Caregivers of people with Parkinson's disease

Contents:

Guidebook covering symptoms of Parkinson's disease; Personal care activities; Home care issues; Financial and legal matters and Support network

Cost:

Free

Availability:

[http://www.parkinson.org/NETCOMMUNITY/Document.Doc?&id;=50]

Handbook for Long-Distance Caregivers

Creators:

Family Caregiver Alliance

Purpose:

Publication that offers suggestions on managing stress, setting goals, seeking solutions, and communicating constructively

Audience:

Long-distance family caregivers

Contents:

Downloadable online booklet that covers many useful tips for caregivers who may live an hour away, or across the country.

Cost:

Available for free

Availability:

Available at [http://www.caregiver.org/caregiver/jsp/content/pdfs/op_2003_long_distance_handbook.pdf]

In-Home Supportive Services Provider Handbook

Creators:

California Department of Social Services

Purpose:

To help individual caregivers understand their rights and responsibilities when providing In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS).

Audience:

Individuals who provide care to Californians obtaining personal assistance services through the IHSS program, although all family caregivers can benefit from some of the non-IHSS specific information.

Contents:

Information on understanding the IHSS program and working as a care provider through the program; communication; organizational skills; boundaries; and health and safety.

Cost:

Free download on the web

Availability:

[http://www.cdss.ca.gov/agedblinddisabled/res/pdf/IHSS_Provider_Handbook.pdf]

Lotsa Helping Hands

Creators:

National Alliance on Caregiving

Purpose:

A private group calendar, specifically designed for coordinating visits or help with meals delivery, rides, and other tasks necessary for life to run smoothly

Audience:

Family caregivers

Contents:

Online, private, group calendar helps to create a private web community where volunteers and family can sign up and keep track of certain caregiving tasks and responsibilities.

Cost:

Free online

Availability:

Available at [http://nac.lotsahelpinghands.com/ltc/home/]

MDA ALS Caregivers' Guide

Creators:

Muscular Dystrophy Association

Purpose:

Overview of issues faced by caregivers of people with ALS

Audience:

Caregivers of people with ALS

Contents:

Chapter 1: The ALS caregiver; Chapter 2: Daily care of your loved one with ALS; Chapter 3: Respiratory issues; Chapter 4: Communication issues; Chaper 5: Nutrition issues; Chapter 6: Emotions; Chapter 7: Financial, legal and medical issues; Chapter 8: Finding caregiving help; Chapter 9: End of life issues.

Cost:

15

Availability:

[http://www.als-mda.org/publications/alscare/]

NAMI Basics Education Program

Creators:

National Alliance on Mental Illness

Purpose:

Information about mental illnesses and skills on how to become an effective caregiver

Audience:

Family caregivers of individuals with severe mental illnesses

Contents:

Information about the following: mental health conditions and diseases; medications; current research; understanding the lived experience of people with mental illnesses; workshops on problem solving, listening and communication; care for the caregiver; community supports; advocacy initiatives.

Evidence based results:

Being evaluated by Dr. Paul Deal, Missiouri State Univ

Cost:

Free

Availability:

[http://www.nami.org/Template.cfm?Section=Family-to-Family&lstid;=605]

Practical Tools and Resources for Caregivers and Professionals

Creators:

Family Caregiver Alliance

Purpose:

Comprehensive list of resources for caregivers from various websites, databases, multimedia products and publications, including publications from Family Caregiver Alliance.

Audience:

Family caregivers

Contents:

1. General Information & Guides for Caregivers of Older Adults; 2. General Information and Guides for Caregivers of Older Adults with Alzheimer's Disease and other Dementias; 3. Self-Care for Caregivers; 4. Daily Care; 5. Planning/Legal/Financial Issues; 6. Living Arrangements; 7. End-of-Life Care; 8. Websites of Major Federal Government Programs; 9. National Organizations with a Focus on Caregiving for Older Adults

Cost:

Free on the web

Availability:

[http://www.caregiver.org/caregiver/jsp/content_node.jsp?nodeid=2224]

Principles of Caregiving

Creators:

The Arizona Direct Care Curriculum Project

Purpose:

A training program for caregivers, personal attendants and direct support professionals

Audience:

Caregivers, personal attendants, and direct support professionals

Contents:

Four modules: Caregiving Fundamentals (13 chapters); Developmental Disabilities; Aging and Physical Disabilities; and Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias. Each module has a trainer manual, a student manual, and a slide presentation.

Cost:

Free online

Availability:

[http://www.azdirectcare.org/Training_Manuals]

Respite Services: Enhancing the quality of life for caregivers and care receivers

Creators:

University of Utah, Center on Aging

Purpose:

Help caregivers better assess their abilities and circumstances; encourage caregivers to seek help; allow caregivers to become aware of sacrifices they are making; provide suggestions to make respite effective

Audience:

Family caregivers

Contents:

Online or print informational booklet with caregiver self-assessment scales.

Cost:

Available for free download

Availability:

Available at [http://aging.utah.edu/gerontology/RespiteBooklet.pdf]

Taking Care of YOU: Self-Care for Family Caregivers

Creators:

Family Caregiver Alliance

Purpose:

To help caregivers care for themselves while being a caregiver to another person

Audience:

Family caregivers

Contents:

Tip sheet includes info on the effects of caregiving on caregiver well-being and health and how to take responsibility for caregiver health. There are also tips for reducing caregiver stress, setting goals, seeking solutions, communicating, asking for help, talking to physicians, exercising, and learning from emotions.

Cost:

Available online free of charge

Availability:

Available at [http://caregiver.org/caregiver/jsp/content_node.jsp?nodeid=847]

Telephone Learning Series

Creators:

Rosalynn Carter Institute

Purpose:

Free telephone sessions delivered by national caregiving experts on a variety of issues related to caregiving

Audience:

Caregivers

Contents:

Telephone sessions with real-time Q&A; opportunity at the end of each session; Handouts available online or by mail

Cost:

Free; must register online beforehand.

Availability:

See [http://www.rosalynncarter.org/phone/]

Training Caregivers for Older Adults in the Home: A Search for Curricula

Creators:

The Caregiving Project for Older Americans, Schmieding Center for Senior Health and Education

Purpose:

To identify and categorize curricula from around the country which currently exist to meet the training needs of individuals giving care to older adults in home settings

Audience:

Caregiving experts

Contents:

Information on the current status concerning the training of paid and unpaid caregivers for older adults, including caregiving background, a listing of the training curricula discovered for both paid and unpaid caregivers of older adults, and a comparison of content and features.

Availability:

[http://www.schmiedingcenter.org/pdf/CaregivingProjectOlderAmericans.pdf]

Training programs for organizations, agencies and caregivers; DVDs, and other resources for family and professional cargivers

Creators:

Medifecta Healthcare Training

Purpose:

Various dvds, online training programs, books

Audience:

Family and professional cargivers

Availability:

[http://www.medifecta.com/ourproducts.asp]