Caregivers Need Care Too!
Part of our mission is to improve the quality of life for everyone who is affected by MS. We recognize that MS impacts the person who has been diagnosed with the disease, and that it also affects people who are closest to that person.
If you are a family member or close friend of someone with MS, you more than likely you may find yourself in a caregiver role. Although this role is stems from love and concern, it can also be physically and emotionally draining at times. Taking the time to pay attention to your own needs as well as the person you’re caring for is critical for everyone involved.
The Utah State Chapter of the National MS Society has resources available to help to help when you are feeling overwhelmed, or at a loss about where to get help for yourself or your loved one, including:
- Caregiver Support Groups
- Reference Materials and Community Resources
- Counseling Services
- Possible respite options for you and your loved one
- Equipment or home modifications resources
As a caregiver, your challenges are many. Check these resources out for more help in your role as a caregiver:
National Family Caregivers Association
http://www.thefamilycaregiver.com/
NFCA supports, empowers, educates, and speaks up for the more than 50 million Americans who care for a chronically ill, aged, or disabled loved one. They reach across the boundaries, of different diagnoses, different relationships and different life stages to address the common needs and concerns of all family caregivers.
Lotsa Helping Hands
http://www.lotsahelpinghands.com/
Free online private group calendar specifically designed for organizing helpers. It's a simple, immediate way for friends, family, colleagues, and neighbors can assist loved ones in need.
Utah Coalition for Caregiver Support
http://www.caregivers.utah.gov/
Their mission is to create awareness of caregiving issues and improve the quality of life for caregivers and care recipients through advocacy, information, support, and access to resources.
Family Caregiver Alliance
http://www.caregiver.org/
A community-based nonprofit organization that addresses the needs of families and friends providing long-term care at home.
National Alliance for Caregiving
http://www.caregiving.org/
NAC is dedicated to providing support to family caregivers and the professionals who help them and to increasing public awareness of issues facing family caregivers.
For more information, call the Information Resource Center at 800.344.4867 or the Utah State Chapter of the National MS Society at 801.424.0112.