Help for caregivers — general

See Chapter 1 — Resources.
Family and Caregiving Resources for People with ALS, MDA/ALS Newsmagazine, May 2007
Family Caregivers: 10 Ways to Get More Help, MDA/ALS Newsmagazine, November 2004
Reducing Caregiver Stress May Help Loved One’s Depression, MDA/ALS Newsmagazine, February 2003
The Comfort of Home: An Illustrated Step-by-Step Guide for Caregivers, 3rd ed., by Maria Meyer and Paula Derr, Caretrust Publications, 2007
American Medical Association Guide to Home Caregiving, by the American Medical Association, Wiley, 2001
MetLife Mature Market Institute. This site offers many resources for caregivers and those recently diagnosed. Search for content using keyword "caregiver."

Local community services

Check county and state government listings for:

• Health and Human Services Department
• Public Health Department
• Social Security Administration
• Mental Health Department

Contact the social service departments of hospitals and clinics. Locate adult day care centers and faith-based agencies, Visiting Nurse Association and hospice programs.

Check your MDA office and clinic for other local supports.

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National and state organizations

Check with the Area Agency on Aging or the state department of social services to learn if your state will provide funds for hiring and paying a family member as a caregiver.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Disability or Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services — Waivers.
Family Caregiver Alliance, (800) 445-8106. Lists state-funded services for family caregivers
Family Caregiver Support: State Facts at a Glance (PDF), National Conference of State Legislatures, 2006
National Family Caregivers Association, (800) 896-3650

Caring for elders

The Eldercare 911 Question and Answer Book, by Susan Beerman and Judith Rappaport-Musson, Prometheus Books, 2005
American Association of Retired Persons, (888) 687-2277
Children of Aging Parents, (800) 227-7297
Indian Health Service Elder Care Initiative
National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers, (520) 881-8008
U.S. Administration on Aging (AoA), (800) 677-1116
National Association of Area Agencies on Aging
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs - Office of Geriatrics and Extended Care, (877) 222-8387

Training for family caregivers

Community-based resources may offer training and classes for family caregivers. Check with local hospitals, home care agencies, Area Agency on Aging, voluntary health agencies, and county and state departments of health.

American Red Cross, (800) 733-2767
National Family Caregivers Association, (800) 896-3650
Leading Age, formerly American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging
Training Program and Resources, (888) 846-7008. Offers training programs, books and Home Care Companion video collection.

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