November 14, 2011

By Elizabeth Maguire, MSW, Assistant Director, Marketing & Communications, National Resource Center for Participant-Directed Services

Have you heard about the emerging model of home and community-based services for older adults and people with disabilities? This model is called participant direction (sometimes referred to as consumer direction or self direction) and it gives people enrolled in programs control over their services- they decide who will help them with their personal care services.

November 12, 2011

By Scott French, SAGECAP Program Manager (Services and Advocacy for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender Elders) CAP (Caring and Preparing)

Caregiving takes many forms. While we might think of caregivers as paid aides, in reality, the majority of caregiving in the U.S. is provided by informal caregivers, usually a spouse or child. In the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community, it is important to realize that many LGBT older adults do not have the same familial supports.

November 10, 2011  - By Lois Esobar, MSW, Family Consultant at Family Caregiver Alliance

The role of a family caregiver is difficult. Aside from taking care of their loved one, they must also continue to lead their lives, which includes working, caring for family, grocery shopping and a seemingly endless list of potentially stress-inducing responsibilities! Many family caregivers need time to vent in a safe place. Caregiver support groups allow caregivers to have that special time to be with other people who have similar issues.

November 8, 2011

By Leah Eskenazi, MSW, Director of Operations and Planning at Family Caregiver Alliance

Are you looking forward to getting together with your parents and siblings for Thanksgiving? Maybe not. Sibling relationships and parent–child communication can be complicated. Should one or both of your parents also suffer from a progressive chronic illness, then the holiday chit chat with your siblings will most likely be about your parent's needs and how to navigate for their care and well-being.