The Complete Caregiver Support Guide

Family members, and sometimes close friends, are often called upon to act as caregivers to ill or aged people they care about or for whom they are responsible. Although there are many rewarding outcomes of the time spent between the courageous and dedicated caregiver and the care-receiver*, the caregivers are usually unprepared, untrained and unsupported. The caregivers are also often isolated. These factors can put a huge amount of stress on non-professional or family caregivers.Attending a caregiver support group focusing on specific issues is of great benefit for caregivers. Such groups can include those facilitated by professionals such as social workers, counselors and group facilitators, and those facilitated by lay persons, often themselves caregivers. The intention of Caregiver Support is to provide content for support group facilitators and caregivers that touches on crucial topics. The reproducible handouts and worksheets are designed to provide insights, encourage problem-solving and develop the ability for caregivers to ask for the help they need to stay physically and emotionally healthy, allowing them to continue to be there for their care-receiver. While the book has an emphasis on caregiver support groups, the value of the handouts is the same for both groups and individuals. The individual seeking help in dealing with the stresses of their role as caregiver will find sections or individual handouts that speak to their most pressing needs. After working through them, individuals can discuss their insights with someone they can trust to give useful feedback, as well as family members who are willing to help in ways that will contribute to the caregiver's continued wellbeing.