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Best Caregiver Websites and Resources
Nobody should have to go it alone when they are the primary caregiver for a relative or loved one who needs around-the-clock assistance and support. Taking care of someone else requires highly specialized knowledge in a broad array of fields, and almost all of it is going to be new information for the average person who suddenly finds themselves in a caregiving role.
Specialized healthcare, medical supplies, caregiver stress, substance abuse, time management—the list is at least a mile long, and when you’re caught in the middle of the cyclone with your full-time life, full-time caregiving responsibilities, and a full-time job, you’re not going to be able to see more than two inches in front of your own nose.
Fortunately, there’s a lot of help out there online and in the larger caregiver community. We’re sharing some of the best caregiver websites and resources that can get you the information you need when you need it.
General Support
Sometimes you just need help with the big picture, and these online resources can channel you in the direction you need to go. They cover a broad range of caregiving situations, including care for elderly parents, relatives with chronic illnesses, substance abuse issues, and even grandparents who have become parents again young children, as well as research, best practices, and direction to state and local support services.
National Family Caregiver Support Program
The NFCSP is a federal program that disburses grant money to state and community-based caregiving organizations.They are all about connecting you with resources wherever you are, and have provided millions of caregivers across the country with access to caregiving information and services, counseling and training to manage stress, and even respite services for a much-needed break from the rigors of caregiving.
National Alliance for Caregiving
The National Alliance for Caregiving is a collective of caregiving organizations that provide a broad range of services and resources for family caregivers.
The NAC was started as a research and policy think tank for family caregiver issues, and is involved in national policy creation and implementation strategies, resource management, and awareness campaigns.
Communities for Caregivers
One of the most overlooked aspects of being a caregiver is caring for yourself. Being “on” all the time for your loved one can take a toll on your health and wellbeing, and it’s important to know how to balance your life with your responsibilities.
Online and in-person communities are some of the most valuable resources available for caregivers, and especially younger caregivers who have unexpectedly found themselves in a caregiving role.
I-Ally
I-Ally is the most comprehensive online caregiving community out there, especially for younger providers who are balancing a career, a family, and a loved one who needs their support. I-Ally connects people just like you so they can share experiences, insights, and empathy to make caregiving a more manageable and sustainable act of love and devotion. The I-Ally community also includes industry professionals and experts to augment the $470 billion in home care informal caregivers are providing with facts and strategies to create the best caregiving environments they possibly can.
LGBTQ Caregivers
The LGBTQ Caregiver Center aims to raise awareness of the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ Caregivers and those who care for LGBTQ individuals, empower LGBTQ Caregivers to live with pride and dignity and serve as a conduit for education, wellness, training and research. The Center provides information and resources, delivers training and innovative services to enhance the health and wellness of LGBTQ Caregivers.
Caregiving.com
Caregiving.com is a digital care community created and run by people who are former, current and future caregivers. We have developed practical caregiving tips, tools and access to aging resources via state of the art technology that helps family members take care of themselves and their loved ones at every stage in the caregiving journey.
Elder Care Support Services, Alzheimer’s, and Dementia
These resources are tailored for caregivers who are supporting older relatives, as well as loved ones suffering from Alzheimers and dementia.
HFC (Hilarity for Charity)
HFC, a non-profit organization founded by Seth and Lauren Rogen, seeks to support young caregivers and families impacted by Alzheimer’s Disease. HFC offers grants for in-home care, which you can apply for online. They also offer virtual support groups as well as educational content for how to take care of your own brain health.
Eldercare Locator
Eldercare Locator is an excellent resource covering everything from transportation and insurance to housing and wellness for people caring for older relatives. They provide a hotline and online chat to make getting information and support easy, and can connect you with local support agencies and resources so you can deliver the quality care your elder family member deserves.
Well Spouse Association
Well Spouse is tailored for spouses and partners who have found themselves in a caregiving role for an elderly, disabled, or chronically ill partner. Spousal care comes with its own unique challenges, as it can affect decisions to have children, where to live, and when and how a spouse can work and retire.
Alzheimer’s Association
Alzheimer’s and dementia affect nearly 60 million Americans, and the Alzheimer’s Association is dedicated to research, support, and caregiving information for all aspects of dementia-related illnesses. But ideally? They’re looking for a cure.
You can find all the latest research and information on their site, as well as get connected with local resources to help you create a better caregiving experience for your loved one.
Caregiving for Cancer Patients
Cancer and terminal caregiving can be particularly stressful and emotionally draining, especially since these situations are often unexpected and can affect people at any age.
National Cancer Institute
Cancer care is increasingly taking place in the home instead of the hospital bed, and it’s critical that family members are aware of the particular needs and pressures of providing oncological services. This comprehensive resource covers everything from cancer information and research to cancer-specific caregiving and wellness.
American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society’s caregiver page is an excellent general information source with easy-to-use tools, resources, and videos to help get you up to speed on caregiving for a loved one with cancer.
Products for Caregiver Support
Carewell, the Caregiver’s Shop
Carewell is the online leader in health and wellness products for at-home care. They promise competitive pricing, fast 1-2 day shipping, and 24/7 trained care specialists providing guidance and emotional support.
Paid Studies & Clinical Trials
Rare Patient Voice
Rare Patient Voice empowers patients and caregivers to share their voices with researchers and companies developing products, devices, and treatments to improve lives.
Being the Caregiving Solution This World Needs
Caregiving takes a village, and you and your loved one deserve access to the best caregiving websites and resources available. I-Ally knows how hard it is to go it alone as a younger caregiver in a constantly accelerating world. Visit our community today and get connected with the people and resources who can help make a difference. Get help. Get support. Get empowered with I-Ally.Note: Some of the companies and/or resources below are vetted partners of I-Ally, and I-Ally will make a small commission, at no additional cost to you, if you make a purchase after clicking one of the below links.
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