A majority of us will be caregivers at some point in our lives. According
to AARP, an estimated 34.2 million Americans provided unpaid care to an
adult age 50 or older in 2015. It may start as something as small as helping
manage finances or housework, but as our loved ones age debilitating disease,
chronic health conditions or simple frailty can soon follow. It’s
that person who steps up to assist a stricken family member, friend or
neighbor that earns the title of caregiver.
Whether you’re a new or seasoned caregiver there are several local,
state and national resources to not only help you manage what your loved
one may need, but prepare yourself for the journey ahead.
Local
Area Agencies on Aging – offices established through the Older Americans Act that serve
to facilitate and support the development of programs to address the needs
of older adults in a defined geographic region and support investment
in their talents and interests.
In North Carolina, AAAs are located within regional Councils of Government.
Adult Children of Aging Parents Community – provides information, resources, support and community for those
caring for a loved one. Although designed specifically for adult-children
caring for aging parents, ACAPcommunity programs are open to all who are
interested.
Catawba County DSS | Adult Services – lists supportive services for adults that are available in Catawba County.
SIR – the Unifour’s newest educational resource for seniors, their
families and their caregivers.
Catawba County Council on Aging – provides a focal point for aging resources,
as well as, opportunities designed to extend independent living and enrich
the quality of life for older adults in Catawba County.
State
NC Health and Human Services | Aging and Adult Services – works to promote the independence and enhance the dignity of North
Carolina’s older adults, persons with disabilities, and their families
through a community-based system of opportunities, services, benefits
and protections.
National
Family Caregiver Alliance and National Center on Caregiving – gives caregiving information and advice, fact sheets and publications,
newsletters, public policy and research.
AARP Caregiving Resource Center offers expert advice and resources for your senior care needs.
Caregiver Action Network – provides education, peer support and resources that serves a broad
spectrum of family caregivers ranging from the parents of children with
special needs, to the families and friends of wounded soldiers; from a
young couple dealing with a diagnosis of MS, to adult children caring
for parents with Alzheimer’s disease.
The Eldercare Locator – a national directory for information on aging programs and services
anywhere in the United States.
National Alliance for Caregiving – a coalition of national organizations focused on family caregiving issues.