How can I find a caregivers support group?

Isolation is a key issue for caregivers, which is why online support is so valuable. Have you checked with your local Alzheimer's Association? They often have groups. Otherwise, check with a social services group in your area. Also, check you local newspaper for support groups. If there truly isn't anything, see if a local faith-based group would start one. There are many, like you, who need support.

Take care,
Carol

Hello:

My mother lives with me and my family. She is 77 years old and is afraid of traveling by plane. When we travel, it is convenient for us to travel by plane. She refuses to go. So far, my daughter has had to stay with her while my husband and I travel. We rotate the responsibility to accommodate her. However, we also like to travel as a family. Mom will not get on a plane and I will not put her through that.

Where would be a safe place such a daycare for her? Any ideas from someone who has experienced similar situation. Please post your responses.

Thank you so much for your great ideas. I will make some calls to nearby friends who be willing to Mom-sit while we travel. I need the help mostly for the night shift. During the day, she can go to the senior center. Thanks for your support. I was getting a lot of pressure from out-of-state family members to bring her anyway. Glad to know that I don't have to exercise that option. If something happened to her, I would not be able to live with myself.

Thanks, again.

Nursing homes and assisted living have respite care programs where they can come as a guest. The cost is less than a long time resident.

Oh, great! Thanks for the many ideas you have offered. I will do some research in my area. I need to have back up plans that will be consistent. Thanks a lot. Have a nice day.

I have an agency that I use, and one of my day time woman is going to stay with mom when we go away. Mom loves her, so it will be easy, not cheap, but worth the money!!

IF you don't mind posting the info., I would appreciate it very much. Thanks so much.

The agency I use is called Comfort Keepers. However, there are many others across the country. I have tried 3, and this one works for me. Your social worker can get you in touch with the respite program for your state. I know that the cost per hour differs greatly across the country and also,it depends on the level of care you need for the person for whom you are caring. My overnight care on a 24 hour basis is 215.00.( private care) However, that will be different per agency and state.

My department on the aging faxed me a complete list of agencies and programs for the state.( contact the social worker from your hospital for the correct numbers to call. She has made 3 visits to our house!) You should be able to do the same thing. Also, the best defense is your family DR or your elder's DR. He got me visiting nurse for the summer and it has been a Godsend!!! Did you know that every time you have a change in your physical condition: example -a fall, high blood pressure, edema, your elder qualifies for services all over again? My mom fell at Christmas and she got a home health worker, physical therapy and occupation therapy along with the visiting nurse for over 3 weeks. She did not have to go to the hospital to qualify. Every little bit helps.


Good luck.
Linda

Linda, You are Godsend. The information you've provided is invaluable. I will definitely look into the various resources available to Mom. Thanks so much for your continued support. I came to the right place for support.

Have a nice day.

Jennet

Jennet,
This site has helped me so much as well. Keep me posted.
Linda