Some of the hardest working and most under appreciated segment of our population today are the caregivers. Taking care of a seriously ill, aged or disabled friend or family member can be emotionally and physically exhausting. Caregivers work long hours, totally more hours per week than almost anyone else. They often are not able to take vacations, have a day off work, get a good night's sleep or even take a ten minute break. Nobody needs time and assistance more than a caregiver. Without help, they can have difficulty managing and often experience anxiety and depression.
Luckily, there is a special program in Texas especially for caregivers. The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) runs the program. It is geared to provide services to respite care providers and all caregivers. This program challenges the caregivers to take some time for themselves and reach out for information, support and assistance.
For caregivers, there is an yearly "Striking the Balance Conference", held in September each year at the Norris Conference Center in Austin, Texas. At this conference, caregivers can discover local resources, develop skills and share stories with experts and local experts on aging. More information on this event can be found at www.ageofaustin.org.
For respite providers, there are stakeholder forums which offer a variety of support. Respite caregivers can share ideas, stories and resources with others. The forums offer an opportunity to learn more about respite services for people caring for individuals of all ages, disabilities and health conditions. More information is available by calling the Texas Regional Council at (512) 478-4715.
Texas also offers a free, bilingual, confidential resource called Caregiver Tele-Connection that connects caregivers to information and support via the telephone. It provides learning sessions on a number of useful subjects, hosted over the telephone, by professional facilitators and experts. Three organizations in Texas offer this program: The Alamo Caregiver Tele-Connection (San Antonio area), The Capital Area Caregiver Tele-Connection (Austin area), and The LRGV Caregiver Tele-Connection, located in the Lower Rio Grade Valley.
The Arc of Greater Tarrant County has a program that offers support to parents and caregivers of children with special needs. The support information available spans different ages, cultures, disabilities and emotional needs. The services include support groups, seminars, information, referral and advocacy.
The Center for Caregiver Excellence is a new project supported by the Central Texas Aging and Disability Resource Center, Temple College and the Schmeiding Center for Senior Health and Wellness. Education and training for family and professional caregivers will be available at the new center.
If you're not in the state of Texas, don't despair. Medicare offers helpful information for caregivers at www.medicare.gov/caregivers. Click on "Caregiver Topics," then "Support for Caregivers," then "Taking care of yourself," and "Connect with resources to make your life easier" for links to messages boards, discussion groups, and forums.
Just knowing that you are not alone will be a benefit as you share experiences with others, reducing feeling of isolation. Through these resources, caregivers have the opportunity to share their feelings and experiences with fellow caregivers and professionals.
Luckily, there is a special program in Texas especially for caregivers. The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) runs the program. It is geared to provide services to respite care providers and all caregivers. This program challenges the caregivers to take some time for themselves and reach out for information, support and assistance.
For caregivers, there is an yearly "Striking the Balance Conference", held in September each year at the Norris Conference Center in Austin, Texas. At this conference, caregivers can discover local resources, develop skills and share stories with experts and local experts on aging. More information on this event can be found at www.ageofaustin.org.
For respite providers, there are stakeholder forums which offer a variety of support. Respite caregivers can share ideas, stories and resources with others. The forums offer an opportunity to learn more about respite services for people caring for individuals of all ages, disabilities and health conditions. More information is available by calling the Texas Regional Council at (512) 478-4715.
Texas also offers a free, bilingual, confidential resource called Caregiver Tele-Connection that connects caregivers to information and support via the telephone. It provides learning sessions on a number of useful subjects, hosted over the telephone, by professional facilitators and experts. Three organizations in Texas offer this program: The Alamo Caregiver Tele-Connection (San Antonio area), The Capital Area Caregiver Tele-Connection (Austin area), and The LRGV Caregiver Tele-Connection, located in the Lower Rio Grade Valley.
The Arc of Greater Tarrant County has a program that offers support to parents and caregivers of children with special needs. The support information available spans different ages, cultures, disabilities and emotional needs. The services include support groups, seminars, information, referral and advocacy.
The Center for Caregiver Excellence is a new project supported by the Central Texas Aging and Disability Resource Center, Temple College and the Schmeiding Center for Senior Health and Wellness. Education and training for family and professional caregivers will be available at the new center.
If you're not in the state of Texas, don't despair. Medicare offers helpful information for caregivers at www.medicare.gov/caregivers. Click on "Caregiver Topics," then "Support for Caregivers," then "Taking care of yourself," and "Connect with resources to make your life easier" for links to messages boards, discussion groups, and forums.
Just knowing that you are not alone will be a benefit as you share experiences with others, reducing feeling of isolation. Through these resources, caregivers have the opportunity to share their feelings and experiences with fellow caregivers and professionals.
About the Author:
Janet Smytherton enjoys being with the elderly and the disabled. Her primary focus is on providing our elderly with Quality Assisted Living Facilities. Her Assisted Living Facilities in Texas is an online resource that does not require the user to give personal information.
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