What Is A Caregiver/Family Support

A caregiver or individual/family support-giver can be defined as anyone who provides any type of unpaid help or care, whether it is physical, emotional, or functional, to a loved one who is ill or has a disability, that enables the loved one to remain in the community.

Fortunately, there are numerous places where you can seek assistance or information. These pages contain an extensive list of resources for you that you can access from this website. Topics range from tips on dealing with the healthcare system, such as how to talk to your loved one’s doctor, under The Healthcare System link, to tips and advice on your own emotional needs, under the button Emotional Minefields. Some of the information is in the form of printable booklets that contain forms that you can fill in with your loved ones needs, medications, physicians and other healthcare providers’ names. You can also find advice on hiring in home help, navigating the healthcare and insurance maze and much more. Click on the topic buttons on the left side of this page to access this information.

Special Information is available for you if you are a grandparent or other relative raising a child or a parent who continues to provide support for an adult child with disabilities. This special kind of support is known as Intergenerational Support.