The Central North Carolina Chapter is committed to supporting both people with MS and their caregivers. We know that multiple sclerosis is a disease that affects the entire family. The chapter offers emotional support and respite to caregivers. We offer short-term respite for caregivers and can also connect you to other community service providers as appropriate. The chapter is committed to helping caregivers get their emotional needs met. We can make community counseling referrals and offer an in-home care management program that is designed to help people with MS and their caregivers. If you are interested in any of these services, please contact Jessica Thomas, MSW at 336-299-4136 or jessica.thomas@nmss.org.
Peer Support Program
The Central North Carolina Chapter will be creating a peer support network for caregivers in the future. If you are interested in being a caregiver peer supporter or feel that you could benefit from being connected with a peer, please contact Jessica Thomas, MSW at 336-299-4136 or jessica.thomas@nmss.org.
NEW
Department of Veteran Affairs Caregiver Initiatives
The Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) recently launched two new exciting initiatives for caregivers of Veterans, with one specifically for caregivers of Veterans with MS. The first is the National Caregivers Support Line, a telephone-based information line for family members and loved ones who provide care for Veterans who are living with the effects of war, disability, chronic illness, or aging. Licensed clinical social workers are available to answer questions, listen to concerns and link callers to the Caregiver Support Coordinator at their local VA Medical Center. The support line is open Monday-Friday 8:00 am to 11:00 pm Eastern Time, and Saturday from 10:30 am to 6:00 pm Eastern Time. For more information call 1-855-260-3274 or visit www.caregiver.va.gov.
The second initiative is a monthly support and education conference call for caregivers of Veterans with MS, where caregivers can connect and share their experiences. In addition to time for networking, educational topics and resources will also be discussed. The group meets the fourth Monday of every month from 8-9 pm ET (7-8 pm CT, 6-7 pm MT, 5-6 pm PT). The call-in number is 1-800-767-1750, access code 43157#. For more information on this monthly support group please contact the group’s facilitator, Maggie Kazmierski, LCSW-C at 1-800-464-6295, ext. 6095/410-605-7000
Relationship Matters
Having a satisfactory relationship is hard work even in the best of times. MS can make it even harder. The Relationship Matters program exists to help couples minimize the impact of MS on their lives. Through a series of interactive courses, the Relationship Matters program helps couples learn and apply skills to deal with challenges related to multiple sclerosis. To learn more about Relationship Matters click here.
Powerful Tool for Taking Care of Yourself: Create an Action Plan
An important tool to take care of yourself is developing an action plan. Ask yourself the following question: What are things that you like to do? What could you do to take better care of yourself and feel better?
4 steps developing an Action Plan
What - what are you going to do?
How - how much are you going to do it?
When - when are you going to do it?
How Often - how often are you going to do it?
Here is an example:
This week I will: read a book (What) for a half hour (How) in the mid afternoon while my spouse naps (When)three times this week Monday, Wednesday and Friday (How Often).
Now it is time, for you to create a plan this week on how you can take care of yourself. Personalize your plan just for you and reward yourself when you have accomplished your goals.
Click here to print out your own action plan!
Helpful Resources
Hiring Help at Home: The Basic Facts
A Guide for Caregivers
Care for the Carepartner
Our Lending Library Has Books for Caregivers
The Central NC Chapter maintains a Lending Library of books, videos and audiotapes. Topics consist of but are not limited to symptom management, rehabilitation, staying well, family support, and long-term care. To view a list of our Lending Library books click here. Please contact our office for more information or to check a book out at 336-299-4136.
Caregiver Websites
http://www.caringinfo.org/CaringForSomeone.htm
http://www.familycaregiving101.org/
http://assets.aarp.org/external_sites/caregiving/
http://www.aarp.org/family/caregiving/
http://www.caregiver.com/
http://www.nfcacares.org/
http://www.nfcacares.org/caregiving_resources/
http://www.rosalynncarter.org/
http://www.wellspouse.org/