By Kristin Glasure, FAIRHOPE President and CEO
According to the Mayo Clinic, about one in three adults in the United States provides care to another adult as an informal caregiver. A caregiver is defined as anybody who provides direct care to a person’s needs, such as an ill spouse or partner, a disabled child, or an aging relative. Regardless if you are a professional caregiver or not, it’s important to seek help and support. This might be through virtual or in-person support groups, or for many caregivers it’s simply confiding in family, friends, faith family, or neighbors.
There are eight methods commonly used to reduce and prevent caregiver stress, and this month we are sharing some tips for how to get help and support. In my career, I have spoken to many caregivers who all share common challenges. One of the most common frustrations they share is a lack of knowledge about 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 online resources that can help simplify the process:
Caring Bridge – This website makes it simple and safe to offer or ask for support when it’s needed most. Caring Bridge offers a private and ad-free platform that allows caregivers to share health updates and friends and family to rally around loved ones. The site even offers a meal train for people to sign up and bring meals.
For more information, call 651-789-2300 or visit https://www.caringbridge.org/
Shipt – This website is used to order groceries, everyday essentials and so much more from your favorite stores. Items are delivered on the same day by friendly shoppers who care about getting things just right. There are a number of different companies that provide similar services, based on your location.
For more information, call (205) 502-2500 or visit https://www.shipt.com/
Lotsa Helping Hands – An online caring community that helps restore health and balance to caregivers’ lives, Lotsa Helping Hands brings together caregivers and volunteers to organize daily life during times of medical crisis or caregiver exhaustion.
For more information, visit https://lotsahelpinghands.com/
We have worked with these trusted organizations and are available to answer any questions you may have as you navigate the unknown territory of caregiving. Be sure to look for our next article in the series, which will focus on relaxation techniques.