A Guide For Caregivers
I’m not sure about you, but I’m inundated by junk mail, flyers, and brochures. The sheer quantity of paper that I sift through is one of the reasons why we choose to send our newsletter electronically—to save you from having to go through more mail!
However, now and again, I find a printed resource that is worth reading… and even saving. Recently, The Family Caregiver Handbook came across my desk and it’s still there. Why? In short, it’s a well-written, informative guide that offers current resources to the dedicated individuals who care for family members.
The Family Caregiver Handbook was written by the MIT Workplace Center. I am proud to say that Mystic Valley Elder Services (MVES) provided some information to the Center during the writing of the book. Many other organizations also contributed to the effort. And, what a successful effort it was! Although 15,000 were printed in January, the book is already out of print. It’s a bit like the hit movie at Blockbuster on Friday night—the good ones go quickly.
The good news is that the MIT Workplace Center has created a web site that serves as a companion to the publication. Major sections of the handbook are available online at www.familycaregiverhandbook.org. One advantage of the online version of the handbook is that visitors can quickly find current information about listed resources by clicking through to the resources’ web sites.
Anyone who has cared for a loved one knows the responsibilities of caregiving can be overwhelming. This handbook and the accompanying web site offer caregivers an organized, practical guide. Caregivers don’t have a lot of time to research options and the writers of this book understood this. The information is clearly presented and topics are succinctly explained. Useful resources are easy to find and will help caregivers with their inherent challenges.
As the handbook confirms, caregiving is not an individual activity. Caregivers need help and support. The Family Caregiver Handbook is a start. Caregivers will find it very helpful, but I encourage them to also contact MVES. Our Caregiver Support Coordinator can provide individualized suggestions to caregivers in our area. For those looking to share experiences with others, MVES offers a support group for caregivers.
The handbook, knowledgeable people, and support groups…all great resources for caregivers.
