In the United States today there are approximately 50  million people who are caring at home for family members including elderly parents, spouses, and children with disabilities and/or chronic illnesses. Without this home-care, most of these cared for loved ones would require permanent placement in institutions or health care facilities at great cost to society.

Educating yourself about your loved one’s disability, health problem, or special needs is an important strategy. Identifying support groups, organizations, agencies, programs, services, and resources online and in the community that are available to assist you, your loved one, and your family is critical to your functioning and success as a family. Many caregivers experience “caregiver burnout” or “caregiver fatigue” which can leave them overwhelmed and exhausted. Knowing the causes and symptoms of burnout and fatigue, as well as taking time to care for yourself can be an important part of caregiving.

Parent Education/Parent Classes:

Family Resource Library:

The Family Resource Library is a collection of videos and print materials containing practical information for families of persons with disabilities. These materials offer information to assist in improving the lives of people with special needs. The Family Resource Library serves persons with special needs and their families in the four-state area of Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, and Nevada. Materials can be provided to any individual regardless of location. For information on how to access these materials call the Utah Parent Center (801) 272-1051.

UPC’s e-Journal- Caring and Caregivers

Davis Behavioral Health

Davis Behavioral Health provides support services and classes for families in Davis School District area.  The classes include Love & Logic, Guiding Good Choices, and Incredible Years. For more information call (801) 544-0585

Granite Peaks

Granite Peaks is Granite School Districts Lifelong Learning Center.  They have parenting classes in Love & Logic and Child Parent Relationships. For more information call (385) 646-5439

Healthy Relationships of Utah

Healthy Relationships of Utah offers free Love and Logic Classes, Couples Classes and Stepfamilies classes throughout Utah.

Jordan Family Education Center

The Jordan Family Education Center provides support services and classes for families and students in Jordan School District. These services are provided by the District’s school psychologists and counselors. The center offers classes and short-term counseling on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings. There are three quarters packed full of interesting classes and support groups covering a variety of topics like parenting skills, dealing with adolescence, attention deficit, anger, grief, single parenting, blended families and many more. For information call (801) 565-7442

Canyons Family Center

Provides collaborative, creative and cooperative courses and other counseling services that help families of all kinds — and with all kinds of challenges — discover gentle and genuine avenues to assist each other, connect with each other and learn from each other. To make an appointment or register for classes,  call 801-826-8190

Parent/Family Supports:

Family Support Center

The mission of the Family Support Center is to protect children, strengthen families, and prevent child abuse. They offer classes on: parent education (in English and Spanish), anger management, impacts of sexual abuse, an Adults Molested as Children Group, divorce adjustment classes, referral services, a resource library, and many more.

Resources, Programs and Services:

Utah Department of Health and Human Services

This site provides information about our public health programs and services available for Utahns. You can search for a list of programs and services related to health promotion, maternal and child health, and services for children with special health care needs.

 

Information on Caregiving- Caring for yourself:

Family Caregiver Alliance– Taking Care of YOU

Today’s Caregiver – For About and By Caregivers

MedlinePlus – A service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health

Kem C. Gardner Research Report Fact Sheet: Family Caregivers in Utah

Family Caregiver Report

Utah’s Invisible Workforce Report

Utah Coalition for Caregiver Support – A non-profit that provides advocacy, information, education, and support for caregivers

Reducing Stress in Times of Crisis– Downloadable PDF resource list and activity sheet to help you be more mindful, resilient, and less stressed.

Reducing Stress in Times of Crisis Video

Why Self-Care is Essential to Parenting – An article by the Child Mind Institute discussing the symptoms of burnout and how to address it.

Bonus addition: Blog style post from Angel Aid addressing sleeping challenges caregivers experience.

Books About Caregiving

There are many print or ebooks on topics related to caregiving. Following are just a few that have been recommended by families. Perhaps you can start here and explore others as you identify titles and authors.

THE CAREGIVER’S BOOK: CARING FOR ANOTHER, CARING FOR YOURSELF

James E. Miller

Here is a compassionate exploration of the caregiver’s role, feelings, and experiences, providing practical, affirming suggestions for renewing strength and hope through words of inspiration from the Bible, literature, and great thinkers throughout the ages.

CARING FOR THE CAREGIVER

Roy W. Harris

Caregivers have been overlooked. Author Roy Harris faithfully stood by his wife of thirty-three years as the two navigated the uncharted waters of breast cancer, ultimately resulting in her death. Roy’s sixteen years of experience as a pastor, someone who has been there for countless families going through the death and dying process, adds special insight to the helpful Caregiver.

CARING FOR THE CAREGIVER: THE USE OF MUSIC AND MUSIC THERAPY IN GRIEF AND TRAUMA

Joanne V. Loewy, Andrea Frisch Hara

Caring for the Caregiver: The Use of Music and Music Therapy in Grief and Trauma A collection of reflections on music therapy interventions provided as a part of the New York City Music Therapy Relief Project, sponsored by AMTA and the Recording Academy after September 11th, 2001.

A CAREGIVER’S SURVIVAL GUIDE: HOW TO STAY HEALTHY WHEN YOUR LOVED ONE IS SICK

Kay Marshall Strom

“Kay Strom is a caregiver who has invested countless hours in helping her disabled husband. She knows what it’s like to plod through the routines, and she has opened up her heart and shared her poignant and powerful account of how she ‘found the smile of God’ through it all.

CARING FOR YOU, CARING FOR ME: EDUCATION AND SUPPORT FOR CAREGIVERS: PARTICIPANT’S MANUAL

David H. Haigler, Caring for persons with chronic illnesses or disabilities is a rewarding endeavor, but it often places extreme demands on those providing care. Caregivers need both education and support to understand their caregiving roles and to cope with the difficult situations they face. All too often there is a chasm between professionals who are part of the formal caregiving system and family members, friends, and neighbors who provide daily care.

THE TWENTY-THIRD PSALM FOR CAREGIVERS

Carmen Leal

Offers devotional encouragement, hope, and tender affirmation for all caregivers no matter the disease or situation.

PASSAGES IN CAREGIVING: TURNING CHAOS INTO CONFIDENCE

Gail Sheehy

Thrust into the daunting and unexpected role of caregiver when her husband, editor Clay Felker, was diagnosed with cancer, Sheehy was dismayed to find herself lost in the labyrinthine, illogical, and often contradictory world of health care. When second opinions gave way to thirds, and innumerable insurance forms were completed only to have the claims rejected, Sheehy realized she needed answers, assistance, and attitude. For a tenacious reporter like Sheehy, getting answers was second nature but finding competent help and learning how to put things into perspective weren’t as easy.

CAREGIVER’S REPRIEVE: A GUIDE TO EMOTIONAL SURVIVAL WHEN YOU’RE CARING FOR SOMEONE YOU LOVE

Avrene L. Brandt

This book highlights the fact that caregiving is a difficult task and that the emotions caregivers feel are common and normal. The book exonerates caregives who feel guilty for the difficulties that they face and provides the support that we need to carry on.

THE COMPLETE BEDSIDE COMPANION: A NO-NONSENSE GUIDE TO CARING FOR THE SERIOUSLY ILL

Rodger McFarlane, Philip Bashe

Caring for someone who is seriously ill is a major responsibility. It is both a full-time job that is physically, emotionally, and financially demanding, and a rewarding act of love. This book, written by two experienced caregivers, “walks you down the road from the onset of symptoms through the very end and afterward.” It offers practical information, advice, and support for those who undertake this monumental task.

SELF-CARE FOR CAREGIVERS: A TWELVE STEP APPROACH

Pat Samples, Diane Larsen, Marvin Larsen

Are you one of the growing number of people who serves as a caregiver for an aging or chronically ill friend or family member? If so, you probably struggle to meet both their special needs and still find time and resources for yourself. But now there is reason to take heart. The authors of this down-to-earth, encouraging book can help you make the most of the experience without losing yourself in the process using the Twelve Steps as a guide.