Caregiving
Ten Things to Know in an Emergency
Adapted from Aging Parent: 10 Things to Know in an Emergency. MayoClinic.com
- Names of their doctors. They can provide needed information about your loved ones’ specific health history.
- Birth dates. Knowing this will assist in finding medical records and insurance information.
- List of allergies. Especially in the case of allergies to medications.
- Advance directives. An advance directive is a legal document that outlines a person's decisions about his or her health care, such as whether or not resuscitation efforts should be made and the use of life-support machines.
- Major medical problems. Such as diabetes or heart disease.
- List of medications and supplements. So the doctor knows if your loved one uses blood thinners, or takes any vitamins or herbal supplements before administering medications that might inter react.
- Religious beliefs. For decisions such as blood transfusions.
- Insurance information. Know the name of your loved ones' health insurance provider and their policy numbers.
- Prior surgeries and major medical procedures. Have a list of past medical procedures including implanted medical devices such as pacemakers.
- Lifestyle information. Does your loved one drink alcohol or use tobacco?
National Caregivers Library
For Caregiving information particular to the state you live in visit http://www.nationalcaregiverslibrary.org/
Information is available on the following topics:
- Caregiving basics
- Caring for yourself
- Care facilities
- Checklists & forms
- Disabilities
- Diseases
- Emotional issues
- End-of-life issues
- Glossary
- Government Resources
- Home Care
- Housing Issues
- Legal Matters
- Long-distance care
- Medical care
- Money matters
- Transportation
Tips on How to Plan for Long Term Care
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/long-term-care/HA00054
Support Agencies
Alzheimer’s Disease Education and Referral (ADEAR) Center
P.O. Box 8250
Silver Spring, MD 20907-8250
800-438-4380 (toll-free)
A service of the National Institute on Aging (NIA), the ADEAR Center offers information and publications for families, caregivers, and professionals on diagnosis, treatment, patient care, caregiver needs, long-term care, education and training, and research related to AD. Staff members answer telephone, email, and written requests and make referrals to local and national resources. The ADEAR website offers free, online publications in English and Spanish; email alert and online Connections newsletter subscriptions; an AD clinical trials database; the AD Library database; and more.
Alzheimer’s Association
225 North Michigan Avenue, Floor 17
Chicago, IL 60601-7633
800-272-3900
866-403-3073 (TDD/toll-free)
The Alzheimer’s Association is a national, nonprofit association with a network of local chapters that provide education and support for people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, their families, and caregivers. The Association also supports research on AD.
Alzheimer’s Foundation of America
322 Eighth Avenue, 7th Floor
New York, NY 10001
866-232-8484 (toll-free)
The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America provides care and services to individuals confronting dementia and to their caregivers and families through member organizations dedicated to improving quality of life. Services include a toll-free hotline, consumer publications and other educational materials, and conferences and workshops.
Children of Aging Parents
P.O. Box 167
Richboro, PA 18954-0167
800-227-7294 (toll-free)
This nonprofit group provides information and materials for adult children caring for their older parents. Caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s disease also may find this information helpful.
Eldercare Locator
800-677-1116 (toll-free)
Eldercare Locator is a nationwide directory-assistance service helping older people and their caregivers locate local support and resources. It is funded by the U.S. Administration on Aging (AoA). AoA’s website at www.aoa.gov offers information about caregiving, working with and providing services to people with AD, and where to look for support and assistance.
Family Caregiver Alliance
180 Montgomery Street, Suite 1100
San Francisco, CA 94104
800-445-8106 (toll-free)
Family Caregiver Alliance is a nonprofit organization that offers support services and information for people caring for adults with AD, stroke, traumatic brain injuries, and other cognitive disorders. Programs and services include an information clearinghouse for FCA’s publications.
National Institute on Aging Information Center
P.O. Box 8057
800-222-2225 (toll-free)
800-222-4225 (TTY/toll-free)
The NIA Information Center offers a variety of information about health and aging. To order publications in English or Spanish or to sign up for regular email alerts, visit www.nia.nih.gov/HealthInformation. Visit NIHSeniorHealth (www.nihseniorhealth.gov), a senior-friendly website from NIA and the National Library of Medicine. This website has health information for older adults. Special features make it simple to use. For example, you can click on a button to have the text read out loud or to make the type larger.
National Family Caregivers Association
10400 Connecticut Avenue, Suite 500
Kensington, MD 20895-3944
800-896-3650 (toll-free)
The National Family Caregivers Association helps educate and support people who care for loved ones with chronic illness, disability, or the frailties of old age. The Association offers an online library of information and educational materials, workshops, and other resources.
National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization
1700 Diagonal Road, Suite 625
Alexandria, VA 22314
800-658-8898 (toll-free)
This nonprofit organization works to enhance the quality of life for people who are terminally ill. It provides information, resources, and referrals to local hospice services and offers publications and online resources.
NIHSeniorHealth
Simon Foundation for Continence
P.O. Box 815
Wilmette, IL 60091
800-237-4666 (toll-free)
The Simon Foundation for Continence helps individuals with incontinence, their families, and the health professionals who provide their care. The Foundation provides books, pamphlets, tapes, self-help groups, and other resources.
Well Spouse Association
63 West Main Street, Suite H
Freehold, NJ 07788
800-838-0879 (toll-free)
This nonprofit membership organization gives support to spouses and partners of the chronically ill and/or disabled. It offers support groups and a newsletter.
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