AAA Caregiver Initiative

Savvy Caregiver teaches an understanding of dementia and strives to increase caregiver confidence while reducing the adverse effects of caregiving. It focuses on helping caregivers to acquire and strengthen their knowledge, skills and attitudes for this role and teaches caregivers how to manage and care for themselves day-to-day. This is a 6-week course is led by a gerontologist and specialist in dementia.

Powerful Tools for Caregivers helps caregivers gain “tools” to improve your self-care, increase your confidence, and reduce your stress while caring for an older loved one. Learn to thrive, not just survive, caregiving, while enjoying the support and encouragement of fellow caregivers. Book and resource info included.

The “Hero’s Journey of the Caregiver” course is inspired by the work of Joseph Campbell, a scholar who popularized various theories on hero myth narratives. Using a multimedia approach (video clips, art, poetry), the class will offer opportunities for the “inner hero” to show up in caregiving and ultimately help guide the Care Partner through obstacles on the journey.

The National Caregiver Training Program helps participants acquire the practical skills needed to provide safe, confident homecare for a frail older loved one. This course is taught by a nurse. Learn to provide personal care, take vitals, manage medications, lift and transfer, use a wheelchair safely, and more. Book and resource info included.

The Dealing with Dementia Program was created by the Rosalynn Carter Institute to provide answers needed throughout the caregiving journey. Topics highlighted during the workshop are the dementia caregiving experience, safety, building a CARE TEAM, problem solving and managing dementia behaviors, stress management and self-care.

Alzheimer’s Association offers information of Alzheimer’s care, support, research, and advocacy including a 24/7 Helpline.

The Women’s Alzheimer’s Movement is a foundation that raise awareness around Alzheimer’s as a disease that disproportionately affects women.

Validation is a method of therapeutic communication which can be used to connect with someone with moderate to late stage dementia.

Tam Cummings, PhD is a gerontologist that has spent years presenting the complexities of dementia in a simple manner. Tam defines the seven stages of dementia and downloadable tools to track the stages of dementia.

Parkinson’s Foundation offers advice and support to those living with Parkinson’s disease and their families and is committed to advancing research.

American Cancer Society offers, guides, videos, and articles to provide advice to families and caregivers of those living with cancer.

American Cancer Society

American Diabetes Association

American Heart Association

American Stroke Association offers help and support to caregivers.

AARP has helpful resources, guides and tools for family and informal caregivers.

Department of Veteran Affairs provides support for caregivers of Veterans, coordination of benefits, and additional assistance.

WellMed Charitable Foundation supports older adults and their caregivers with a special emphasis on wellness and prevention. Look here to participate in one-hour conference calls at no cost. You can get expert advice, ask questions and talk to other people who are providing care.

Caregiver Action Network offers caregiver resources, tools and advice including addressing challenges specific to long-distance caregiving and to working and caregiving.

Next Step in Care is a program dedicated to providing practical advice and easy-to-use guides that help in the process of transitioning your parent’s care from one location to another (e.g., hospital to nursing facility).

Carelinx is a site that that helps you find help in the home without using an expensive agency. Caregivers undergo a background check and post information about services they can perform. Always make sure that you interview and vet caregivers.

Family Caregiver Alliance provides online information , support and resources for family caregivers. Answer a questionnaire and receive follow-up by FCA staff.

Caregiving.com offers articles and short videos on caregiving, wellness, legal/financial, health/medical).

Special Concerns of LGBT Caregivers

Caregiving in the LGBT Community

Caring Bridge is a free, easy-to-use communications platform to share updates, set up meal trains and more.

Caring Village has an app that helps caregivers communicate, coordinate, and care. The website also has useful articles and checklists.