According to the Roselyn Carter Institute, more than 40 million Americans provide care for adults and children who cannot care for themselves. Whether helping an aging parent, a seriously ill spouse or child or some other special person in need, those giving care often do so at a great personal sacrifice of time, energy and income. The emotional stress can be tremendous, too. 
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Generally, family members do not categorize themselves as “caregivers” - they are simply doing what any devoted daughter, son, or spouse would do for a loved one.  Consequently, they don’t seek out vital help and respite. The reality is that often family members serve as constant caregivers and provide 80% of the care for older adults and people with disabilities in Virginia. Though not always, the typical family caregiver is a woman between age 35 and 60, often caught up in traditional life functions such as raising children and working full or part-time. When that person finds themselves filling the concurrent role of caregiver for a family member with health issues, the excess burden brings on stressors that impact their own health, relationships, and financial and work status. 
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​It is not just the family caregiver who is often overwhelmed. Many healthcare professionals today face enormous challenges trying to cope with an unwieldy patient load in an increasingly strained health care system.

If you spend any time caring for another person living with dementia, a chronic disease, or who is disabled, you are a caregiver. You may  be a family caregiver helping without pay, or a healthcare professional. The resources below are for all caregivers.  ​Aging Together, through our vision of making our communities age friendly, recognizes the necessity of finding resources that support caregivers, both professional and family members.

​Our goal is to update this website consistently and to offer programs, resources, and respite that reduces the burden of caregiving for everyone. Please check in regularly and contact us if you have questions or need additional help. 

Websites that support caregivers (click on blue boxes)

Alzheimer's Association
www.alz.org
800-272-3900 (24/7 Helpline)
Information on Alzheimer's related diseases, research and caregiving.
Caregiver.com
www.caregiver.com
An online resource for caregivers including tips sections, discussion lists, breaking news, topic specific channels, experts answers and email newsletters. 

Caregiver support line for veterans
caregiving.com
www.caregiving.com
A large library of caregiving stories and a community of bloggers and contributors who take care of aging parents, spouses, and anyone they consider family.
cornerstone cares
www.cornerstoneva.org/caregivers
​40 Rocke Pointe Lane, Suite 202, Warrenton, VA 
​540-497-1208
caregiving@cornerstoneva.org
A ministry of Cornerstone Baptist Church that provides education, resources, and ongoing support to caregivers in Fauquier, Rappahannock, and Culpeper Counties. 
The Caregiver space
thecaregiverspace.org
A collection of caregiver stories submitted by those with personal experience. Hundreds of articles on many subjects related to caregiving that are both helpful and inspiring. "This is a space for everyone who provides care, no matter who you are or where you are in your caregiving journey."
Community Resource Finder
www.communityresourcefinder.org/
Made available by the Alzheimer's Association and AARP, and is a database of dementia and aging-related resources that makes it easy for individuals and families to find programs and services in a specific location. 
Elizabeth dole foundation
www.elizabethdolefoundation.org
The preeminent organization empowering, supporting, and honoring our nation's 5.5 million military caregivers; the spouses, parents, family members, and friends who care for America's wounded, ill, or injured veterans.

Find more veterans resources on our Veteran Support page. 
Family caregiver Alliance national center on caregiving
https://www.caregiver.org/connecting-caregivers/services-by-state/?state=virginia
800-445-8106
The services, education programs, and resources from FCA are designed with caregivers' needs in mind and offer support, tailored information, and tools to manage the complex demands of caregiving.
The Center is based in California but offers resources for all states.
Long Term Care Ombudsman
https://www.rrcsb.org/senior-services/long-term-care-ombudsman
Regional Office for the Long Term Care Ombudsman is with Rappahannock Rapidan Community Services.
540-825-3100

Serves all 5 counties. The Long Term Care Ombudsman The Program is mandated to receive, investigate, and resolve complaints made by or on behalf of persons in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Advocates for older persons receiving long term care services, whether the care is provided in a nursing home or assisted living facility, or through community-based services to assist persons still living at home. They provide older adults, their families and the public with information, advocacy, and assistance to help resolve care problems. 
Ombudsmen, both paid staff and volunteers, provide help and a voice for those that are not heard or unable to speak for themselves.

Office of the State Long Term Care Ombudsman, State of Virginia
https://www.elderrightsva.org/

The Long Term Care Ombudsman Program Brochure: Click Button below
The National  Center on Elder Abuse has a fact sheet about the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program. Click button below.
Advocating for Resident’s Rights: About the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
Federal law requires nursing homes to “promote and protect the rights of each resident” and stresses individual dignity and self-determination. A person living in a long-term care facility maintains the same rights as an individual in the larger community.
​Listen in with the National Consumer Voice for a conversation with the Ohio State Long-Term Care Ombudsman, and the Texas State Long-Term Care Ombudsman, who discuss resident rights, the role of the Ombudsman program, and how residents can advocate for their rights in their facility.
The Lindsay institute for innovations in caregiving
https://caregivinginnovations.org/
A partnership that works collaboratively to create and implement inventive and award-winning new initiatives aimed at improving caregivers' health, wellbeing and stability. The institute's ultimate goal is to improve caregivers' self-care and their ability to manage emotional stressors and tough decisions while bolstering thier access to the latest technologies and community resources. ​
LOWLINC (Orange County)
LOWLINC (Lake of the Woods, Living Independently in our Community)
www.lowlinc.org
855-LOWLINC (569-5462)
Lake of the Woods community, Locust Grove, Orange

Member services for food, transportation, home repairs, etc. for older adults. Contact them for membership inquiries and for support services for those living at home. 
Rapp at Home
www.rappathome.net
567 Mount Salem Avenue, Washington, VA
540-937-Home (4663)
info@rappathome.org

Member organization that supports neighbor-to-neighbor assistance in order to sustain an independent lifestyle for those over age 50. Contact them for membership inquiries and for support services for those living at home in Rappahannock County, including the Companion Care Program of Rapp At Home. 
Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers​
www.rosalynncarter.org/

Caregiving can be both a rewarding and isolating experience, so having a community to connect with and lean on is important. The RCI's "primary focus is on the unpaid or informal family caregivers: those individuals who respond to a need for care of a relative, friend, or loved one. While many caregivers do not self-identify, if you provide support such as errands and grocery shopping, wound care and prescription management, or cooking, cleaning, and personal care at home – you are a caregiver."
No Wrong Door
easyaccess.virginia.gov
888-992-0959 (24/7)
They will connect you to find info concerning healthcare, finances, food, education & more. Language interpretation for over 200 languages. 
CAREGIVER RESPITE
Respite is temporary relief from duties for caregivers, ranging from several hours to days. It might be provided in-home or in a residential care facility. Respite allows a caregiver to take a break and get away, maybe for a doctor appointment, grocery shopping or a weekend outing with friends. Several organizations, like the ones listed below, offer limited funding specifically to help caregivers pay for someone to be with their loved one and care for them while they are away. 
Cornerstone cares
www.cornerstoneva.org/caregivers
40 Rock Pointe Lane, Suite 202, Warrenton, VA
540-497-1208
caregiver@cornerstoneva.org
A ministry of Cornerstone Baptist Church that provides funding and other opportunities for family caregivers to participate in respite. 
Virginia Lifespan Respite Voucher program (VLRVP)
https://www.vda.virginia.gov/vlrv.htm
800-552-3402
Up to $400 in reimbursement per family for respite services to assist Virginians with disabilities or chronic conditions and the family members who provide their care. For more detailed information and guidelines, or for an application, see website. ​Click button for their flyer.
Dementia Support
See the Dementia Support page: CLICK HERE
SUPPORT GROUPS
Click button below for support groups helping with various challenges of caregiving, chronic diseases, grief support, etc. 
OTHER USEFUL RESOURCES
wiser: WOMEN'S iNSTITUTE FOR A SECURE RETIREMENT
www.wiserwomen.org
The majority of caregivers are females providing unpaid care for family members. If you are a caregiver or expect to be one someday, take control of your finances and plan now for your own future. There is lots of information on this website about managing money and other financial info, how to be someone else's financial caregiver, legal agreements for families and caregivers, and more. Read about retirement planning, social security, investment basics, scams & fraud, caregiving and so much more. 

CAREGIVER ACTION NETWORK
www.caregiveraction.org

Check out tons of information on their Family Caregiver Toolbox page.
FAMILY COUNCIL INFO FOR CAREGIVERS WITH LOVED ONES IN LONG TERM CARE FACILIITIES
Long-term care facilities must support family members by allowing them to form a Family Council with other family members, and by providing space to do so. Find out more information about family councils and how they can provide support for both residents and their caregivers. ​
Dementia Caregivers Checklist 
From the Being Patient Website:
"Taking on the role of caregiver to a family member may happen with little warning, and many find themselves diving in unprepared. Here are a few steps to getting off on the right foot." 
Visit this website to read about important factors of being a caregiver including assuring your identity is documented in your loved ones medical records as well as having access to medical records, understanding what you are actually able to do as a caregiver and what you might need help with, finding resources, and more. 
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https://www.beingpatient.com/caregiver-checklist/

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