Caregivers Support Groups

The American Heart Association (1-800-AHA-USA1, www.americanheart.org/caregiver) realizing the tremendous strain put on caregivers, has given input on ways to deal with this special problem. This is a site you may want to access because it helps you find a balance between taking care of someone else and taking care of yourself. In the Senior Tennis League we have seen the strain felt by those trying to help family members, friends and tending to a loved one. Often times they become emotionally physically and emotionally depleted. The site also provides information on caregiver and patient resources.
The Mended Hearts, Inc. (1-800-HEART99) or www.mendedhearts.org also provides support for the emotional aspects of recovering from heart-related illness. There are some 260 chapters nationwide; the Albany, NY chapter is dedicated to heart transplant recipients.
American Association of Retired Persons (1-202-434-3525) www.aarp.orgl includes information on caregiving under the "Family, Home and Legal" tab.
CareFinder (1-800-272-3900) www.alz.org/carefinder is a web site sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Association, the interactive Care-Finder tool can be used by anyone who needs help with finding and coordinating care, as well as information on support and resources.
Family Caregiver Alliance (415-434-3388 or 800-445-8106) www.caregiver.org provides caregiver support and educational opportunities through research, advocacy, legal consultation and training workshops.
Family Caregiving 101 www.familycaregiving101.org provides new ideas and helpful advice for you and your loved one who is chronically ill or disabled.
Heartmates (612-558-3331) provides resources for the spouse, family and loved ones of a heart patient.
National Alliance for Caregiving www.caregiving.org has an E-mail: infor@caregiving.org and provides support to family caregivers and the professionals who help them.
National Family Caregivers Association (1-800-896-3650) www.thefamilycaregiver.org A free membership offered to caregivers, who can then receive a newsletter, resource referrals and other benefits.
Visiting Nurse Associations of America (888-866-8773) www.vnaa.org The VNA chapter in your area can point you to home healthcare services that can give a caregiver some much needed time off.
The Well Spouse Association (800-838-0879) www.wellspouse.org is a non-profit group providing support and advocacy for spouses and children of people who are chronically ill.
As you know, I have prayed, these many years, for the "caregivers" because of the need our society has for loved ones who can only face the prospect of warehousing without the loving care of a family member, friend, neighbor or other concerned members of the community. I hope that this list obtained from an article in "HEART INSIGHT") August 2007, will help them in some small way to understand the need to balance their lives so that they may remain healthy and able.

Many of you may know that Julie is an administrative assistant at Millard-Gates Circle and is involved in both "Pastoral Care" and "Volunteer Services." She is an avid reader and provides me with some very important articles of interest to many in our group. Julie A. Tronolone is a caregiver to her 93-year-old mother and is a thoughtful, loving and helpful person. We have many caregivers in our group who have felt the strain they put upon themselves. In giving so much they often place themselves at risk.

Caregivers are so important in a country that has lost its way and puts more emphasis on military might than the health and wellness of its own. And now we have an ever-increasing number of soldiers who need the help of their families to help put their lives back together.
God bless and keep you well and may God allow His healing hand to touch you and your loved ones.
Stan Kent
stanbcgb@roadrunner.com
Julie A. Tronolone
july04th@roadrunner.com