July 2010 — Encouraging Family Caregivers to Reach Out for Help

CONNECT WITH OTHER FAMILY CAREGIVERS IN A SAFE AND SECURE PLACE

NFCA's Family Caregiver Forum provides a safe and secure place where all family caregivers can post questions, receive support, and communicate with others who truly understand. The Forum is sponsored by NFCA's founding corporate partner, Intel Health. To join the discussion, simply click here.

READ ALL ABOUT IT: ARTICLES OF INTEREST TO FAMILY CAREGIVERS

Check out these articles, all of which provide valuable information, advice and resources for family caregivers:

"Better Together"

What happens when a husband and wife see the same primary care physician? They may just be able to live independently longer, particularly if one of them is caring for the other. Many physicians believe that when both spouses are monitored and treated by the same physician, it makes a real difference in the health of both, and especially the health of the family caregiver. Find out more about the benefits of this unique arrangement by reading this article, published in "The New Old Age" blog, a feature of The New York Times.

"More Workers Alleging Bias Against Caregivers"

This story, which appeared on NPR, covers recent trends in family responsibilities discrimination cases, including cases filed by those who care for elderly or disabled family members.

"Aftercare Tips for Patients Checking Out of the Hospital"

This New York Times article talks about some of the major reasons that patients end up back in the hospital after being discharged and what you can do to help ensure that your loved one's discharge doesn't lead to another hospitalization.

"Six Questions to Protect Elderly Patients"

What are the questions you should ask to lower your elderly loved one's risk of experiencing delirium during a hospitalization? Find out by reading this New York Times column, which follows up on an earlier article that explored the issue of hospital hallucinations, "Hallucinations in Hospital Pose Risk to Elderly."

INFORMED PATIENT INSTITUTE OFFERS ADVICE TO THOSE CONCERNED ABOUT QUALITY OF CARE

The Informed Patient Institute, an independent nonprofit organization that provides credible online information about healthcare quality and patient safety for consumers, has produced a series of briefs outlining what a patient or family member should do if they have a concern about quality in a hospital, nursing home, or physician's office. While the briefs contain information specific to California residents, much of the general advice is applicable to anyone in any state. To learn more, click on the "What's New" section of the Informed Patient Institute.

WATCH THE CARERS INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE LIVE ON THE WEB

Carers World Radio, which is devoted to providing information to family caregivers across the globe, will stream live coverage of the International Carers Conference in Leeds, United Kingdom, from July 8 through July 11. All family caregivers from around the world are invited to participate. The main conference days will be July 9 through July 11 and family caregivers can watch and listen or take part from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. UK time by logging on to the chat room from the Carers World Radio Web site. For more information, visit Carers World Radio.

TWO NEW GUIDES HELP THOSE CARING FOR SOMEONE WITH ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE

The Alzheimer's Disease Education and Referral (ADEAR) Center, a service of the National Institute on Aging, has a new guide for those who care for family members or others with Alzheimer's disease (AD) at home. The guide, "Caring for a Person with Alzheimer's Disease," covers such topics as "Planning Ahead - Health, Legal, and Financial Issues," and "Providing Everyday Care for People With AD," to "How to Take Care of Yourself." To download the guide or order print copies, click here.

The Alzheimer's Association-Greater Illinois Chapter is pleased to offer a free online resource, Encouraging Comfort Care: A Guide for Families of People with Dementia Living in Care Facilities. This 21-page booklet provides useful information about Alzheimer's disease and other dementias, particularly care issues related to the late and final stages. The guide is designed to enable family caregivers to make informed choices about a variety of medical decisions they may face on behalf of loved ones with dementia living in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and other types of care facilities. It will also equip families to ask good questions aimed at obtaining the best care for their loved ones. The guide contains a handy checklist of comfort care measures to be discussed with staff members of care facilities. To view and download the free guide, click here.

YOUR LOVED ONE MAY BE ELIGIBLE FOR A FREE NATIONAL PARKS PASS

With summer upon us, we hope that you and your family will have the opportunity to take a vacation. NFCA wants to remind family caregivers that persons with permanent disabilities are eligible for a FREE Access Pass to America's beautiful national parks. The Access Pass is a lifetime pass for U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Documentation is required to obtain the pass, which provides access to, and use of, federal recreation sites that charge an entrance or standard amenity fee. The Access Pass also provides a 50 percent discount on some expanded amenity fees charged for facilities and services such as camping, swimming, boat launching, and specialized interpretive services. The Access Pass is valid for the lifetime of the pass holder. To learn more, visit the National Park Service. We hope this is the summer you can plan a visit to one of America's beautiful national parks!