Rosalyn Carter said it best when she claimed, “There are only four kinds of people in the world. Those who have been caregivers. Those who are currently caregivers. Those who will be caregivers, and those who will need a caregiver.”
Believe it or not, nearly 20% of the US population fits into the category of “those who are currently caregivers,” making caregiving one of the most important and relevant topics in our society today.
No two caregiving journeys are the same, however there are incredible resources available to support one another, share stories, and offer advice.
A few examples include:
- AARP Caregiver Support Line
AARP has a dedicated, toll-free family caregiving line for people taking care of a loved one. Representatives technically aren’t able to provide specific advice, but they can suggest resources on a variety of topics, like financial and legal issues, long term care options, and more.
- The National Alliance for Caregiving & Family Caregiver Alliance
Non-profits like the National Alliance for Caregiving and Family Caregiver Alliance are leading the way in supporting and empowering caregivers - while also prioritizing research and legislative efforts. If you’re looking for reliable resources and data, both of these organizations are a great place to start.
- Trualta & CareAcademy
Both of these companies offer education for caregivers. While Trualta serves those who are informal, unpaid, family caregivers, CareAcademy offers training and support for professional caregivers across the US.
- Support groups and ERGs
Learning about various conditions and the execution of many caregiving responsibilities is incredibly important, but sometimes caregivers just need a space to support one another. Support groups, both online and in person, can help caregivers feel seen, heard, and understood. Many employers also offer employee resource groups (ERGs) for caregivers that are juggling much more than their jobs. Start with a Google or Facebook search and see how many groups you can find!
- ElliQ
From the perspective of a caregiver, ElliQ offers a host of features that protect the dignity and privacy of the older adult, while also helping maintain peace of mind. Don't just take our word for it - hear from the loved ones of ElliQ users below.
Whether you’re a past, present, or future caregiver - resources like these may be helpful in your journey. Do you have other recommendations to add? Let us know in the comments!