ElderWatch Plus Resources

Many caregivers get great satisfaction in the role of caregiver, but it does not mean that it is easy. Caring for a loved one should not mean you give up your whole life. Caregiving can be an extremely time consuming and strenuous job. The experience of caregiving can take a toll physically, emotionally and financially. Caregivers need to make a conscious effort to keep balance in their lives. ElderWatch Plus is proud to "share the care" with caregivers. While caregivers get the opportunity to return to their normal day time schedule ElderWatch Plus helps their loved ones return to their place in the community, as well.

Caregiver Bill of Rights:
I have the right to...

• Take care of myself. This will help me take better care of my loved one.
• Seek help from others.
• Do things I did before I was a caregiver.
• Not be manipulated by my loved one through anger, guilt or depression.
• Get angry, be depress and say how I'm feeling.
• Receive consideration, forgiveness and acceptance from my loved one.
• Take pride in what I do and acknowledge it is difficult.
• Find resources to help my loved one and myself.

ElderWatch Plus offers Caregiver Support group to our families and the community. Support groups give you a place to share and gain insight, ideas and strategies on how to manage all you have to do as a caregiver. Support groups offer a place to vent, laugh and cry with people who truly understand what you are going through.

ElderWatch Plus CareGiver Support Group
1st Wednesday of every month
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Call us for more information 215. 877.0202

About Alzheimer's www.aboutalz.org

Visit this site to see some excellent mini-films about Alzheimer's disease and the way it has expanded and will continue to expand. Learn about the stages of the disease and how you can help put an end to this awful disease. Share these videos with friends and family members.

Area Associations of Aging Services

Aim to develop, coordinate, and support comprehensive community-based services that assist persons age 60+ to remain independent and self-sufficient in the community.
Delaware County: www.delcosa.org
Montgomery County: http://mcass.montcopa.org
Philadelphia County: www.pcacares.org

Pennsylvania Department of Aging www.aging.state.pa.us

The PA Dept of Aging aims to "enhance the quality of life of all older Pennsylvanians by empowering diverse communities, the family, and the individual."

National Adult Day Services Association www.nadsa.org

NADSA acts as the voice of Adult Day Services, and a resource and support system for all ADS centers around the country. ElderAbuse Hotline 800-734-2020To report cases, or suspicion, of physical, emotional or financial abuse of an older adult.

Pennsylvania Adult Day Services Association www.padsa.org

PADSA is an organization of providers and concerned individuals interested in the promotion of quality adult day services in Pennsylvania. They provide information about Adult Day Service Providers throughout the State.

AARP www.aarp.org

The AARP is the largest aging consumer group in the country. The site provides excellent information.

Administration on Aging www.aoa.gov

This federal agency acts as hub of all government aging services and provides a network of state and area agencies on aging.

AgeNet www.agenet.com

This site provides good information, resources, links, news, support group chat rooms and products related to aging.

Alzheimer's Foundation of America www.alzfdn.org

This site provides information on Alzheimer's disease, caregiving, and the services of the AFA.

American Diabetes Association www.diabetes.org

This website is very extensive in providing the latest research, nutrition information, news, lifestyle tips, and links to other resources.

American Heart Association www.americanheart.org

This site provides research, information, and education about the heart.

Medicare Hotline www.medicare.gov

This site is a complete guide on Medicare including Nursing Home Compare, and a comparison guide of managed care plans.

American Lung Association www.lungusa.org

This site allows you to contact a local chapter, to find information on various lung issues, and to download various information pamphlets.

Arthritis Foundation www.arthritis.org

This foundation offers health information on prevention and treatment of arthritis, referral sources, and other resources.

National Alzheimer's Association www.alz.org

The Alzheimer's Association leads the way in Alzheimer's information, resources, support, and care.

National Council on the Aging www.ncoa.org

NOCA is an organization of agencies and professionals whose mission is to help community organizations to enhance the lives of older adults.

National Council on Aging – "Benefits Check-Up" www.benefitscheckup.org

Fill out a simple questionnaire and find out instantly if your patient qualifies for benefits and prescription discounts.

Social Security Administration www.ssa.gov

This federal agency runs Social Security retirement, survivor's benefits, disability insurance, and SSI.

Veteran's Administration www.va.gov

The federal VA system offers benefits to veterans. The site provides info on benefits, eligibility, and medical services.

Care Giver Tips:

• Do a "safety audit" of your family member's home to help prevent falls or accidents. Check for loose carpets, clutter on the stairs, poorly lit hallways and overloaded outlets. Make sure that commonly used items are within easy reach and not stored on high shelves that require a stepstool.
• Go through the medicine cabinet and discard expired medications. Take a list of all medications (prescription and non-prescription) to a doctor or pharmacist to ensure they will not cause side effects if taken together.
• Check and change batteries in flashlights, smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.
• Get documents in order: insurance, living wills, powers of attorney and do-not-resuscitate orders. In the event of an emergency or hospitalization, having these documents organized in an easy to reach place may reduce stress and help with difficult decisions.
• Schedule routine preventive visits with doctors and dentists for the incoming months.
• Arrange for all necessary inoculations early. Many pharmacies now offer shots for flu, pneumonia and shingles.
• Plan some fun time, that does not involve care, with your family member: arrange family photos, do a puzzle or plan an at-home dinner and a movie together.
• Don't forget to have some down-time with the rest of your family, where you can simply be mom, husband, sister or friend, and not "the caregiver".
• Prevent caregiver burnout and schedule some time for yourself: shop, get a manicure, read a good book, or catch up with friends - whatever you enjoy to unwind and relax.
• Most importantly - get help! Services like ElderWatch Plus can help you have the respite time that you need to keep your own battery charged and to maintain a positive approach to being a caregiver.

Join us at ElderWatch Plus Adult Day Service Centers for a Family Caregiver Support Group. There will be opportunities to meet and socialize with other caregivers, share practical caregiving information, and learn about local community resources.