Caregiver Series: New to Caregiving?

Join Adalin Ball from the Somerset County Office on Aging and Disability Services to explore what it means to become a caregiver or to experience role redefinition. The caregiving experience is characterized as a transition process or a period of ongoing focusing and de-focusing. The extent to which caregivers feel connected with others, redefine their personal use of time and feel comfortable with their new responsibilities indicates how they are managing this transition and how well they are achieving balance in their new role. The right planning and knowing where to get advice can make all the difference in one’s caregiving experience. The purpose is to understand the lived experience of individuals taking on the role as caregivers after an unexpected event involving a loved one.

Helpful resources for caregivers will also be explored.

No registration is necessary.

Here are two books that we have here at the library which might help you consider the topic of caregiving.

“When someone in your family suffers from Alzheimer’s disease or other related memory loss diseases, both you and your loved one face immense challenges. For over thirty years, this book has been the trusted bible for families affected by dementia disorders. Now completely revised and updated, this guide features the latest information on the causes of dementia, managing the early stages of dementia, the prevention of dementia, and finding appropriate living arrangements for the person who has dementia when home care is no longer an option. You’ll learn:

• The basic facts about dementia
• How to deal with problems arising in daily care-meals, exercise, personal hygiene, and safety
• How to cope with an impaired person’s false ideas, suspicion, anger, and other mood problems
• How to get outside help from support groups, friends, and agencies
• Financial and legal issues you must address.

Comprehensive and compassionate, The 36-Hour Day is the only guide you need to help your family through this difficult time.” -from Amazon.com

“Gail Sheehy, author of the groundbreaking Passages—which was a New York Times bestseller for more than three years—now brings us Passages in Caregiving. In this essential guide, the acclaimed expert on the now aging Baby Boomer generation outlines nine crucial steps for effective, successful family caregiving, turning chaos into confidence during this most crucial of life stages.” -from Goodreads.com

Thanks for reading!

-George, FTPL