Resource Guide for Family Caregivers


Resource Guide Evaluation Acknowledgements Frequently Asked Questions Being a Family Caregiver... Meaning of being a family caregiver What challenges can you expect What it means to be a care recipient Recognizing emotional responses Caregiving from a distance Does your family member need care Self-care The importance of self-care Checking in Common sense basics Respite – getting a break Self-care and physical health Self-care and spiritual health Selfcare mental & emotional health Self-care tips Understanding Normal Aging Overview to the aging process Physical/sensory changes with aging Memory/cognitive changes with aging Mental health with normal aging and identifying symptoms of depression Family Caregiving and the Workplace Balancing caregiving and work Supporting family caregivers at work Seeking info & support in workplace Human resource policies and benefits flexible work options Role of human resources, occupational health or union rep in addressing family/work issues References and additional resources Working as a Team with Health Care Providers Being part of the care team Communicate with healthcare providers Communicating with the doctor Overcoming common difficulties with health care providers Roles of health care providers Informal and Formal Advocacy Family caregiver as advocate Complaints about elder abuse Ombudsman’s Office Vancouver Island Health Authority complaints process Community-based Support Services What are community-based supports/services? Family Caregivers’ Network Society Community support organizations for those in need of assistance Volunteer organizations and visiting programs Meal programs and grocery delivery services Delivery services In-home support services Transportation services Equipment supplies and loan cupboards Medical alert systems Community bathing services Assessments Common types of assessments Long term care assessments Geriatric Outpatient Clinic Psycho-geriatric assessments (Elderly Outreach Service) Activity of Daily Living assessments Supportive living and/or residential care assessments Home-based Care Services What are home-based care services? What’s the difference between home support and home nursing care? How can I access home-based care services (and what are the costs)? What is the role of the Long Term Care Case Manager? Home support Quick Response Team Community rehabilitation services Adult day programs Victoria Innovative Seniors Treatment Approach (VISTA) Nutrition services Lab services Respite care What is a home chart or a travelling client record? Home Chart Moving from Home to Facility Caregiving after placement from a caregiver’s perspective Caregiving after placement from a psychologist’s perspective What is the difference between residential care facilities, assistive living and supportive living housing? How do I gain access to publicly funded residential care facilities? What are the eligibility criteria? Choice of facilities Costs of residential care facilities and supportive living residences Private residential care facility options Preparing for the move to a facility Personal advance health care directive Preparing emotionally for the move to a facility Acute Care (Hospital) Hospital admissions Preparing for an emergency visit to the hospital Preparing for a scheduled hospital stay Preparing for diagnostic tests While the care receiver is in the hospital Discharge from the hospital Convalescence and rehabilitation When the care receiver cannot go back home From a care facility to a hospital, and back Support programs Summary Palliative Care What is palliative care? Palliative care and end of life Palliative care and dementia Hospice in Greater Victoria How do I access palliative care? Financial Considerations Medical expenses Long-term care insurance What to do if you are on a limited income Federal government services Provincial government services Incapacity Planning and After Death Adult guardianship laws Enduring power of attorney Representation agreements Wills and estate issues Caregiving arrangements — other considerations Advance directives Contact Information Login