A brilliant new resource has arrived to support caregivers of older adults who live with dementia. Caregiving is one the most admirable forms of love that a person can provide for the older adults in their life—it requires a sincere dedication, love, and strength of character to take on the role of caregiver.
Organizations like the National Hispanic Council on Aging (NHCOA) have long been committed to advocating for better services and resources to help family caregivers, especially those living in such diverse communities as that of the Hispanic and Latino American community, and the many other underserved populations across the United States.
We are thrilled to share with our community, Best Programs for Caregiving (BPC), a first-of-its-kind free online directory of top-rated programs that support caregivers of individuals living with dementia. Every step of the way, this amazing new resource has been designed for easy access and usage by all caregivers. There’s no need to make an account, and no need to make any payments; simply plug-in your zip code, and you will be connected to a range of programs offered online, via telephone, or in person that are specific to caregiving for individuals living with dementia.
There are three types of programs offered to dementia caregivers:
- Skills Training and Education Programs: Most people filling the role of caregiver to their loved ones are new to the work required of them! These programs are designed to help you learn the ropes of caregiving for individuals living with dementia, so you have the skills necessary to provide the best possible care to your loved one.
- Stress Reduction and Caring for the Caregiver: It’s not easy being a caregiver. Programs like these are meant to support the caregiver in dealing with the burden on their mental health that comes with caring for individuals living with dementia. It’s very important that you have the tools necessary to care for yourself, both for your sake and that of your loved one.
- Care Navigation Programs: It’s easy to feel alone or in the dark about your work as a caregiver. Care Navigation Programs connect you with trained and experienced professionals that you can consult with. These professionals can help you understand what resources are right for you, whether it’s in-home aides, meals, transportation, or legal and financial guidance. These professionals are ready to connect with you at your convenience, online or via telephone.
With comprehensive lists of programs at the caregiver’s disposal, they are able to conveniently browse their options and review for the parameters and assets that meet their needs. Whether it’s finding a program in a specific language other than English, or a program intended to serve caregivers of diverse races, ethnicities, or sexual orientations, BPC has the information to help you. If a caregiver has specific needs in regards to a program’s eligibility requirements, enrollment process, affordability, length of time or format, BPC has the information you need to find the perfect program in your area.
The wealth of knowledge made available with BPC is an incredible step forward in supporting caregivers within underserved populations, expanding awareness and availability of resources that may otherwise not reach those who need them most. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are currently 6.7 million older adults living with Alzheimer’s Disease, the most common form of dementia, and that number is expected to double by 2060. It is absolutely paramount that resources be made available to caregivers in all communities, and databases like BPC are helping to do just that.
Check out Best Programs for Caregiving (BPC) at bpc.caregiver.org, and if you know someone caring for an older adult living with dementia, do your part to let them know about this helpful new resource.
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