Be Care Curious
11/15/19
by Kathie Sizemore , Program Officer 3, Communications, Cuyahoga County Department of Health and Human Services
National Caregiver Month Encourages Caregivers to Ask Questions to Improve Care
Are you a family member caring for an older adult? Caring for our families is one of the most important jobs we will ever do. Oftentimes, caregivers may feel isolated or unsure of what to do to better care for their loved one. Approaching caregiving with a sense of curiosity can help break down those barriers and lead to better care.
You can start your journey by learning about the National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP), which was established in 2000 to assist families in caring for their loved ones at home for as long as possible. The Program—referred to as “Title IIIE”—is authorized by Section 371 of the Older Americans Act of 1965 and provides information and assistance to caregivers as well as individual counseling, support groups, caregiver training, respite care and supplemental services.
Studies have shown that these services can reduce caregiver depression, anxiety, and stress as well as enable caregivers to provide care longer, and avoid or delay the need for costly institutional care. The Administration for Community Living notes that in 2018, the NFCSP provided close to $5 million in supports to nearly 4,000 caregivers in Ohio.
For local assistance, you can look in to the County’s Division of Senior and Adult Services (DSAS), which provides local resources for older adults in Cuyahoga County. DSAS’ Home Support Services unit provides skilled nursing care, personal care and home-making for older adults, keeping them safe at home. Our Options for Independent Living program is a cost-effective alternative that can provide meals, transportation, emergency response and homemaking, supporting you as you balance your busy schedule with your caregiving responsibilities.
DSAS’ Information Services unit acts as a clearing house of resources for caregivers, from counseling and emergency services to benefit, prescription and utility assistance. The services act as a “one-stop shop” to help caregivers access the supportive services their loved ones need with one phone call.
Being connected to the community helps older adults thrive. Through DSAS’ Community Social Services Program, your local senior center can augment your caregiving schedule with daily activities, day care and meals for your loved one. Many partnering centers provide transportation from home and back through this program.
Check into other local resources as well, such as the Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging, which works across northern Ohio to offer caregiver support, assisted living assistance and a strong resource network. Celebrating 100 years of service, the Benjamin Rose Institute provides caregiver training and consultations, adult day programs and peer companion services.
Caring for a loved one can at times feel overwhelming. Make it a point to ask questions and ‘be care curious’ about the resources that are available to you. DSAS’ centralized intake line is open 24-hours a day, and trained specialists are ready to learn more about your loved one and their specific needs. Call 216-420-6700 or visit dsas.cuyahogacounty.us to learn more.
Ten Tips for Caregivers (from caregiveraction.org)
Are you a family member caring for an older adult? Caring for our families is one of the most important jobs we will ever do. Oftentimes, caregivers may feel isolated or unsure of what to do to better care for their loved one. Approaching caregiving with a sense of curiosity can help break down those barriers and lead to better care.You can start your journey by learning about the National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP), which was established in 2000 to assist families in caring for their loved ones at home for as long as possible. The Program—referred to as “Title IIIE”—is authorized by Section 371 of the Older Americans Act of 1965 and provides information and assistance to caregivers as well as individual counseling, support groups, caregiver training, respite care and supplemental services.
Studies have shown that these services can reduce caregiver depression, anxiety, and stress as well as enable caregivers to provide care longer, and avoid or delay the need for costly institutional care. The Administration for Community Living notes that in 2018, the NFCSP provided close to $5 million in supports to nearly 4,000 caregivers in Ohio.
For local assistance, you can look in to the County’s Division of Senior and Adult Services (DSAS), which provides local resources for older adults in Cuyahoga County. DSAS’ Home Support Services unit provides skilled nursing care, personal care and home-making for older adults, keeping them safe at home. Our Options for Independent Living program is a cost-effective alternative that can provide meals, transportation, emergency response and homemaking, supporting you as you balance your busy schedule with your caregiving responsibilities.DSAS’ Information Services unit acts as a clearing house of resources for caregivers, from counseling and emergency services to benefit, prescription and utility assistance. The services act as a “one-stop shop” to help caregivers access the supportive services their loved ones need with one phone call.
Being connected to the community helps older adults thrive. Through DSAS’ Community Social Services Program, your local senior center can augment your caregiving schedule with daily activities, day care and meals for your loved one. Many partnering centers provide transportation from home and back through this program.
Check into other local resources as well, such as the Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging, which works across northern Ohio to offer caregiver support, assisted living assistance and a strong resource network. Celebrating 100 years of service, the Benjamin Rose Institute provides caregiver training and consultations, adult day programs and peer companion services.
Caring for a loved one can at times feel overwhelming. Make it a point to ask questions and ‘be care curious’ about the resources that are available to you. DSAS’ centralized intake line is open 24-hours a day, and trained specialists are ready to learn more about your loved one and their specific needs. Call 216-420-6700 or visit dsas.cuyahogacounty.us to learn more.
Ten Tips for Caregivers (from caregiveraction.org)
- Seek support from other caregivers. You are not alone!
- Take care of your own health so that you can be strong enough to take care of your loved one.
- Accept offers of help and suggest specific things people can do to help you.
- Learn how to communicate effectively with doctors.
- Caregiving is hard work so take respite breaks often.
- Watch out for signs of depression and don't delay getting professional help when you need it.
- Be open to new technologies that can help you care for your loved one.
- Organize medical information so it's up to date and easy to find.
- Make sure legal documents are in order.
- Give yourself credit for doing the best you can in one of the toughest jobs there is.