Help Is Available

by Joyce Remy

As a caregiver, you are never alone. There are many people family, friends, health care professionals, community services and others who can help.

Adult Day Care programs provide daytime care and social activities for older adults. Programs vary as to amount and type of care provided. Some provide transportation.

Home Care offers services that take place in the home, inlcuding: health care provided by professionals such as nurses and nurse aides; help with baths, dressing, and eating; housekeeping; and social visits.

Hospice Care provides support and care for terminally ill persons who choose to remain at home in the care of a relative or friend.

Legal and Financial Services include help with preparing a durable power of attorney or other type of health care appointment and a living will; and assistance with financial planning, public benefits, taxes, social security and disability benefits. These services can be provided by skilled volunteers or paid professionals.

Long Term Care is available through nursing homes and subacute care facilities for temporary or permanent care, especially during periods of acute illness.

Meal Programs offer a full range of services, including Meals on Wheels, which delivers meals to older adults at home; as well as group meals served at senior centers, churches, synagogues or schools.

Reassurance Programs provide regular phone calls to check in on elderly persons who live alone, or electronic monitoring devices that signal when help is needed.

Rehabilitation Programs provide occupational, physical and speech therapies through hospitals and long-term care and day care facilities.

Respite Care programs provide temporary relief for caregivers. A person comes into the home for prearranged periods of time to care for the person who needs care, while the regular caregiver takes a break. Some hospitals and nursing homes have short-term, overnight programs.

Support Groups provide emotional support, information sharing and companionship for caregivers. Some groups are disease-specific, such as Alzheimer's disease support groups.

Transportation Programs provide rides to and from medical appointments, day care and other destinations.

For more information

To locate services in the Seattle-King County area, visit the Senior Services Caregiver Outreach and Support Program. 

The Family Caregiver Alliance website also offers valuable information for family caregivers.

Photo: Douglas Gates