By Kristin Glasure, FAIRHOPE President and CEO
Being a caregiver and dealing with stress seem to go together. However, it’s important to recognize and find ways to reduce or prevent stress as much as you can. A recent study titled Physical and Mental Health Effects of Family Caregiving by Richard Schulz, Ph.D. and Paula R. Sherwood, Ph.D., RN, CNRN found that “Caregiving often results in chronic stress, which impacts caregiver’s physical and psychological health.” This is important to keep in mind as we consider caregivers’ well-being and level of service.
There are eight methods used to reduce and prevent caregiver stress, and we will discuss one each month to thoroughly cover this critical topic. In my career, I have spoken to many caregivers who all share common challenges. One of the primary issues is knowing what resources are available to them and how to find them. Caregivers are simply too busy surviving the day to have the energy and skill it takes to do the research.
Following are a few trusted resources that can help simplify the process:
Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging (COAAA) – The organization informs and supports people as they navigate the experience of aging or a disability. COAAA covers Delaware, Fairfield, Franklin, Licking, Madison, Pickaway and Union counties. They are partnering with Trualta, a free online platform that provides caregivers with new information and skills needed to manage care for a loved one at home. Trualta delivers quick videos, articles, tip sheets and professional-level training tailored to meet the caregiver’s learning style. They offer this resource at no cost to central Ohio caregivers who live in COAAA’s eight-county area.
For more information, call 1-800-589-7277 or visit www.coaaa.org.
Ohio’s Area Agencies on Aging – Each agency serves a unique region of the state. They provide support to older adults living in their homes or other settings of their choice.
For more information, visit www.ohioaging.org.
Buckeye Hills Regional Council – Helps communities solve problems by identifying urgent needs and securing financial resources to improve infrastructure and overall quality of life for residents. The organization has several resource guides on their website specific to each county they serve which includes: Athens, Hocking, Meigs, Monroe, Noble, Perry and Washington counties.
For more information on Buckeye Hills, call 1-800-331-2644 or visit www.buckeyehills.org.
We have worked with these trusted organizations and are available to answer any questions you may have as you navigate the uncharted territory of caregiving. Our next article will focus on where you can find help and support.