New Resource for Caregivers

There are only four kinds of people in the world: those who  have been caregivers, those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers, and those who will need caregivers. — Rosalynn Carter, Former First Lady and founder of the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving

A recent article on a new Caregiver Support Group meeting here at the library mentioned a new resource.

The library subscribes to the print edition of Today’s Caregiver magazine. Current issues are available for reading in the Red Carpet area. Today’s Caregiver is the first national magazine to provide information, advice and support specifically addressing the needs of family and professional caregivers

Everyone will manage caregiving issues in our lives in one or more of the four ways former First Lady Rosalynn Carter mentions.

There have always been caregivers. In our society it is easy to fall into a caregiving role and immediately feel overwhelmed. Many of us don’t plan ahead, something drastic happens and voila, we need to act. Commonly, an older relative—parent, aunt, uncle or grandparent falls in the home, has an automobile accident or health emergency. Suddenly, someone needs to manage a healthcare maze, insurance, personal finances, household tasks and other responsibilities. That someone could be YOU.

Fatigue and burnout are enormous risks on caregivers’ physical and mental health. "As much as it is said, it can still not be said too often, the best way to be an effective Caregiver is to take care of yourself." --M. Ross Seligson

It’s normal to be confused or feel overwhelmed. Knowledge is power. After reading this article, add Today’s Caregiver and Caregiver.com to your go-to list with other resources like our local Jayhawk Area Agency on Aging, Kansas Department on Aging and Disability Services, and, of course, the library.