DON’T KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT?

Knowing what to expect makes it easier to plan for the things that come up — and when caring for others, things always come up. These resources may help. Check them out now or bookmark for later.

Resources

  • Getting your intensity score takes two minutes and shows the impact care is having on you. You’ll see what’s most driving your care intensity and connect to things that can help you specifically.

  • Enter your zip code into the ElderCare Locator for a list of services and agencies close to you. They're the kinds of places that can give you tips on what to expect. Your local Area Agency on Aging can be a great place to start.

  • Family Caregiving is full of articles and resources that can inform you on what to expect when it comes to things like care at or outside the home, condition-specific guidance, and more.

  • Connect with people who've been through what you're you're going through at The Caregiver Forum. You can ask general care or condition-specific questions on all kinds of topics, including what to expect.

  • Online Support Groups can be a helpful way to learn and connect with folks who are facing the same care realities as you. Lots of these support groups are on Facebook, so you’ll need an account to join and participate.

  • A CaringBridge page can make it easier to plan ahead for anyone caring for a loved one going through a health journey. It's a central place to communicate, coordinate support, and rally your community, so you have the support you need tomorrow, next week, and for the months ahead.

  • New to care? Caregiving 101 outlines what you can expect from this role including ideas you can use right now to take care of you while caring for others.

  • The Alzheimer's Association provides expert guidance on what to expect for every stage of caring for someone with Alzheimer's or dementia. You can also find your local chapter and connect with a support group if you have the time.

  • The American Heart Association provides tips on topics like healthy eating, communication, physical and mental wellness, and other things that can impact how prepared we feel while caring for others.

  • Caring for someone who has cancer? The American Cancer Society supports you in knowing what to expect with with things like their Caregiver Resource Guide and caregiver support videos.

  • Check out the American Diabetes Association for information and resources on knowing what to expect for every stage of caring for someone with diabetes including diet and nutrition, paying for insulin, and other more.

  • The Patient & Caregiver Network is an online-support program, from the American Lung Association, that gives you direct access to lung-disease management tools, education, connection to others going through the same thing, and other resources that can support you in feeling prepared as you care.

  • The American Kidney Foundation has information on all stages of kidney disease and treatment as well as peer-to-peer support so you can find out what to expect while caring for someone with this condition.

  • The HFC Caregiver Roadtrip is interactive tool designed for folks under the age of 50 who are caring for someone with Alzheimer's or dementia to help navigate the dementia journey, learn what to expect and how to plan ahead.