There are over 42 million unpaid caregivers in the United States. Dedicated individuals are providing care for loved ones day and night all across the country.
It’s hard work. Often caregivers feel isolated and alone. They feel like there’s no help.
We’re got some resources to share with you. Websites, organizations, and books that can provide guidance and support. You need to know you’re not alone in doing your caregiving job.
Some great books you might find helpful include: Living with Dying: A Complete Guide for Caregivers by Jahnna Beecham and Katie Ortlip (a comprehensive guide to caregiving for someone who’s seriously ill)
Passages in Caregiving by Gail Sheehy (organized advice from author Gail Sheehy about managing caregiving responsibilities and situations)
365 Caregiving Tips: Practical Tips from Everyday Caregivers (practical, actionable advice written by 5 friends who have first-hand experience of caregiving)
Take Back Your Life: A Caregiver’s Guide to Finding Freedom in the Midst of Overwhelm by Loren Gelberg-Goff, LCSW (an essential how-to guide to taking care of yourself while taking care of others)
Here are some websites that might help you: https://www.caregiver.org/ – Family Caregiving Alliance (Improving the quality of life for caregivers and their loved ones. Free resources, videos, and webinars)
http://bkbooks.com/ (blogs, phamphlets, and videos on end of life education powered by hospice expert Barbara Karnes, RN)
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/caregiving (National Institute on Aging provides guidance on topics like self care, remote caregiving, and caring for someone with changes in memory function)
The Heart of Hospice is here to help. Reach out to us with questions you might have on hospice care and philosophy, how to choose a hospice agency, or advance care planning. Just send an email to host@theheartofhospice.com.
No matter who you are or where you are in your hospice journey, you are The Heart of Hospice.