As a family caregiver, you may provide care for your aging parents or spouse, or you may be a parent of a child with a disability or special health care need. Caring for your loved one is a life-changing journey that involves both joyful and challenging moments. Stress levels can be elevated as we worry about our health, our loved ones and our future. Finding valuable resources and services for you and your family can make all the difference!
Providing care during this time is difficult for everyone, but even more so for caregivers. There are many things to consider and plan for. Although much is beyond our control, there are things you can do to address your caregiving needs, including taking care of yourself. Take time to explore these resources…
Family Caregivers Across the Lifespan
You can use the ServiceNavigator Tool to find community resources to meet your needs. This needs assessment tool was made possible in partnership with No Wrong Door Virginia. Through a customized needs assessment, find community services and resources available to individuals and families based on aging, disability, and/or needs. Start your needs assessment now.
If you need information on COVID-19, use the VirginiaNavigator.org SEARCH function to find services and programs in your local area as well as coronavirus articles and resources.
Family Caregivers Caring for Older Adults
Overwhelmed by all the technology options for caregivers? The Caregiver Tech Tool Finder (CTTF) makes it easy for caregivers to find tech tools to meet their needs through a curated list of the best websites, apps, wearables, and other tech tools for caregivers. Technology can support you as you provide care and also enhance the well-being of those you care for. Explore medication reminders, caregiving coordination apps, healthy aging, and caregiver self-care apps, remote monitoring, and smart home devices. Find caregiver tech tools now!
Take time to explore Caregiving Resources on SeniorNavigator where you can find a wide array of caregiver services, programs, articles, guides, links, and other resources. Topics include Alzheimer’s disease and dementia caregiving, long-distance caregiving, planning for long term care, caregiver health and self-care, kinship care, and technology and caregiving. Check out caregiving topics and resources.
There are many Online Caregiver Resources that may provide support depending on your specific caregiving situation. Consider online support options such as:
- AgingCare’s online Caregiver Forum
- Eldercare Locator’s Caregiver Corner
- The Caregiver Space community forums for caregivers on parents, spousal care, long distance care, and young caregivers
- The Caregiver Action Network caregiver resources, videos, and free Caregiver Help Desk you can call at 855-227-3640
- The Family Caregiver Alliance provides online support groups and other resources for caregivers.
Parents and Families of Children with Special Needs
As a parent or family member of a child or adult with a disability or special health care need, please know that you are not alone. Finding supports can help during this time. If you are wondering where to start, go to the disAbilityNavigator.org website and use the SEARCH function to find services, resources, and information using your location and what you need.
During COVID-19, The Arc of Virginia has Coronavirus Information & Resources, including ways to stay healthy, disability service information, and video resources. And the Center for Family Involvement has a COVID-19 Resource Toolkit and other supports and resources for families.
If you are already receiving services from local programs, or eligible to do so, contact your Community Services Board or Center for Independent Living to see what resources and services they have available during COVID-19.
Planning and Long-Term Care
If you and your family need assistance with thinking about long-term care and housing options for your older family member, a geriatric care manager might be of assistance.
If your caregiving responsibilities include managing financial issues, you can use the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s Free Virginia Guides on Managing Someone Else’s Money.
Think about advance care planning for you and your family. Honoring Choices Virginia has developed educational resources about advance care planning and related topics that are free to the public.
If you find that you have legal questions, explore the legal resources on VirginiaNavigator.org, such as those related to elder law or disability legal issues such as Guardianship or Conservatorship. The Arc of Virginia has a special needs guardianship program and they provide answers to Guardianship FAQS here.