For Caregivers, About Caregivers, By Caregivers

[Kimo]

My disabled Mom will be coming home soon from a nursing home after an eight-month stay. I will be the main caregiver, as I'm an only child and my father is deceased. She is a parapelgic with a tracheotomy.

I've been trying to find information on classes or training for family caregivers. I'd appreciate any information any of you could give me. I live in Northern California.

Thanks in advance!

[sharx6]

Kime: I found caregiver classes through the local University Extension Office. The Area Agency on Aging also has information about classes. You might check with the social services department at the hospital where you mother has been. I assume visiting nurses will come to see your mother in the beginnig, at least. Ask if they have any information about classes.

I found the classes in my area reasonably helpful. The problem was that I am an only daughter and the sole caregiver of my 99 year old mother. The others in the class were all Amish with layers of generations taking care of the elders. I was jealous of all their help, I think. I wish you the best in your endeavor. It is not easy t o be a caregiver 24/7 but we do what we feel is right to do.

Sharon L

[rich9874]

Kime,

The link below takes you to a page on the American Red Cross site. They offer a family caregiver training guide with a companion DVD for $24.95 that may be helpful. From their site you may be able to find a local training class in your area. From the home page on the right side is a spot to enter your zipcode, and then with a little bit of navigation you can eventually get down to where they list "Take a Class in your Community." If you click on this link they will list Family Care Giver training if its available where you live.

http://www.redcrossdallas.org/site/DocServer/esheet_famly_caregiving.pdf?docID=3101