Where can I find financial help?

Where can I find information about caring for my loved one?

Where do I find respite care?

 

Guide to Resources

For Caregivers

 

How do I find home care or an assisted living or nursing facility?

How do I find training to improve my caregiving skills?

How do I learn skills to help me cope better with the stresses of caregiving?

 

 

Family Caregiving Statistics

More than one quarter of the adult population has provided care for a chronically ill, disabled or aged family member or friend during the past year.

The value of the services family caregivers provide for "free" is estimated to be $257 billion a year.

People over 85 years of age are the fastest growing segment of the population. Half of them need some help with personal care.

The pool of family caregivers is dwindling. In 1990 there were 11 potential caregivers for each person needing care. In 2050, that ratio will be 4:1.

61% of "intense family caregivers (those providing at least 21 hours of care a week) have suffered from depression.

Approximately 80% of home care services are provided by family caregivers.

 

"There are only four kinds of people in this world—those who have been caregivers, those who currently are caregivers, those who will be caregivers, and those who need caregivers."

Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter

 

National Family Caregiver Support Program

The National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP) is designed to support caregivers in their role of providing care for their loved ones. It is funded by the Older Americans Act Reauthorization of 2000. The services the NFCSP provide are driven by the needs of the caregiver. Services that are available include:

 

SERVICE DEFINITIONS

Information and Assistance:

Answers questions and requests information through PSA 3 and the county providers to address caregiver needs.

In-Home Respite Services:

Provides short-term respite for the caregiver to alleviate both physical and emotional stress.

Education and Training:

Our county partners will be offering training for the caregiver concerning issues about caring for someone at home and will offer Resource Libraries.

Counseling Services:

Local Caregiver Support Groups will be formed in 2003 by our county partners. A mental health consultation is also available with a counselor.

Supplemental Services.

PSA 3 has home delivered meals, adaptive aids, chore and minor home repair available for caregivers, if needed.

We partner with many local councils on aging to reach those in need. Call 1-800-653-7723 or 419-222-7723 and ask for Caregivers Support staff.

 

SERVICE PROVIDERS

 

Allen County Council on Aging

215 North Central Avenue

Lima, Ohio 45801

419-228-5135

 

Auglaize County Council on Aging

610 Indiana Avenue

P.O. Box 215

St. Marys, Ohio 45885

419-394-4217

 

Hancock County Council on Aging

423 Trenton Avenue

Findlay, Ohio 45840

419-423-8496

 

Hardin County Council on Aging

100 Memorial Avenue

Kenton, Ohio 43326

419-673-1102

 

Mercer County Council on Aging

217 Riley Street

Celina, Ohio 45822

419-586-1644

 

Putnam County Council on Aging

1425 East Fourth Street

Ottawa, OH 45875

419-523-4121

 

Community Health Professionals

1159 Westwood Drive

Van Wert, Ohio 45891

419-238-9223

 

PSA 3 Agency on Aging

892-A South Cable Road

Lima, Ohio

419-222-7723

1-800-653-7723

 

TIPS FOR CAREGIVERS

Take charge of your life. Don’t let your loved one’s illness or disability always take center stage.

Love, honor and value yourself. Make sure to have some quality time, just for you, even if it is only an hour or two.

Balancing work, family and time for yourself is difficult. Set realistic goals.

When others offer help, accept it. Be specific about the things they can do to help you.

Find someone you can talk to. All feelings are legitimate, even those that upset you, like anger, sadness and guilt.

Educate yourself about your loved one’s condition. Knowledge is power.

Become familiar with community resources that address caregiving and services and programs to help you manage the care of your loved one.

Trust your instincts. They will usually lead you in the right direction.

Join a caregiver support group. Sharing with others can help you manage stress, locate resources and reduce feelings of isolation.

 

Blessed are the Caregivers

God didn’t promise days without pain, laughter without sorrow, sun without rain, but He did promise strength for the day comfort for the tears and light for the way. As you provide care for another, turn to God for strength and hope.

Have faith and trust in God He is in control, and He knows what you are going through. He uses all situations for good. While at times we may not understand, if we seek Him with all of our heart, God promises to meet our needs and to answer our prayers.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.."  Jeremiah 29:11-13

 

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