November is Alzheimer’s Awareness and National Family Caregivers Appreciation Month

Family caregivers provide essential emotional, physical, and financial support to loved ones facing complications from aging, chronic illnesses such as Alzheimer’s disease and other disabilities. According to research by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), more than 1 in 5 adults in the United States alone are actively caregiving for an aging, ill, or disabled family member or friend. This can include helping them get out of bed, assisting with toileting and cleaning, managing medication and food intake, taking them to doctors’ appointments, scheduling activities, and more. Their dedication ensures that their loved ones can maintain their independence and quality of life, and often comes at a great physical and mental cost. We at the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) encourage caregivers or other family members seeking resources to explore the links below:

• The Massachusetts Family Caregiver Support Program provides a range of services for caregivers, including counseling, training, and respite care.
• MassOptions is an online resource and referral service that connects caregivers with local services and supports. Check out their resource list for medical, transportation support, and more.
• The State of Massachusetts runs the PACE program for eligible participants, providing resources and assistance to help keep people in good health in their homes and out of nursing homes. 
• The Family Caregiver’s Alliance is a large family caregiver network. This page links to guides, advocacy groups, and resources for Massachusetts caregivers, Masshealth recipients, and more.
• The Alzheimer's Association of Massachusetts and New Hampshire offers resources, including a searchable database of support groups, and educational programs to assist caregivers in understanding and managing the disease.
• The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) has a dedicated page for caregivers.
• The City of Boston’s Age Strong Commission serves the greater Boston community, offering on its website a page of resources for elderly residents and a phone line at a 617-635-4366. 
• The AARP shared an article offering five ways to thank caregivers this month.  In addition, financial management of a family member and their collective assets is an often overlooked complication of caregiving. This article has helpful information on managing an individual's finances as a caretaker. 
• This guide explores the differences between different forms of assisted and residential living for elderly and disabled. 

Please feel free to reach out to us at the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) if you need further support or have other resources to add or suggest.   From all of us, have a safe and healthy November.