Does your client talk about providing care and support to a family member?
Has there been a sudden family crisis (i.e. a stroke or a fall) or has a chronic medical condition gotten worse (i.e. dementia, heart condition, arthritis)?
Then, your client is a caregiver and part of the 92% of family caregivers (spouse/partner, relative and friends) that provide long-term care needs in Minnesota.
care·giv·er Noun: A family member, friend, or neighbor who takes care of a frail or disabled older person.
The average caregiver is a 49 year old female, raising a family, working full time and spending 20+ hours with her mother grocery shopping, attending medical appointments and keeping track of finances.
Caregiving can be an exciting and overwhelming process. Identifying needs, locating resources, and coordinating services can be a challenge. You can help! Here are resources to share with your clients…
Do you wish you could talk to a professional about your questions and concerns? Then coaching & consultation could be the answer.
Experienced staff members help the caregiver find the best way to provide quality care while still maintaining a healthy, balanced lifestyle. The consultant supports the caregiver in setting goals, develop a plan, problem-solving, connecting with services, and coping with the daily challenges of caregiving. Family meeting facilitation and one-to-one training are also offered by select organizations.
How does a caregiver coach/consultant help a caregiver?
problem solve together
cope with daily challenges
manage family dynamics
plan ahead
Do you wish you could get a break? Then respite services could be the answer. Respite (breaks) offer caregivers time away from providing care and companionship, supervision, and/or social activities to the person for whom they care.
How does respite help a caregiver?
gives caregivers a break by providing in-home respite care by volunteers who are trained and screened
reduces the cost of care
gives the caregiver assurance that the person they care for is comfortable and safe
provides companionship
Types of respite:
In-Home Respite - provided in the home by a volunteer or paid staff.
Adult Day Services - a structured program that offers a variety of health, social, and other support services. Visit https://www.careminnesota.org for adult day centers
Group Respite - day program staffed by volunteers that offer activities and socialization.
Do you wish you knew what your community has to offer? Then education and referral to local resources could be the answer. GET HELP
Information and referral to local resources in community settings can help put a plan in place. Educational classes that focus on self-care, legal and financial issues, communicating with health professionals, community resources and other issues can help put your mind at ease.
How do education and referrals help a caregiver?
Connects you to community resources
Helps you to become prepared
Builds confidence in crisis situations
Develop skills for being an effective, healthy caregiver
RESOURCES FOR CAREGIVERS
Connect to Minnesota Resources via website or phone:
Get resources to help you care...including managing stress, arranging care, dealing with family issues and learning about your role as a caregiveR. 1-800-333-2433 Senior LinkAge Line® is a free assistance service that makes it easy to find community services or get help determining what kind of service might be helpful.
Connect to National Resource:
AARP's Caregiver Resource Center helps caregivers find resources, services and support both nationally and locally.
This page is brought to you by the Metropolitan Caregiver Service Collaborative
