It’s the day before the annual Caregiving Symposium as I write this. We’re expecting a large crowd, and we hope that each person finds helpful information and feels more empowered as a caregiver when
they leave. But we know there are many working caregivers who are unable to attend this weekday event, many who won’t hear about it until after it’s over, and others who can’t take time off from caregiving to be there. How will those folks get the information they need?
Not to worry. While the Caregiving Symposium is a great place to get information about caregiving issues and local resources, there are many other ways to get that info. First, there’s the ADRC (Aging and Disability Resources for Colorado), staffed by Options Counselors of Boulder County Area Agency on Aging. It’s the central place to call, email, or visit online for information about local resources and options. Call the Help Line at 303-441-1617, email InfoADRC@bouldercounty.org , or visit www.BoulderCountyHelp.org, which features a comprehensive directory of local services and more.
Family caregivers also are welcome to contact me directly (see below), for resource information and discussion of caregiving issues—as well as a good dose of emotional support. And caregivers can call their City Senior Services to talk with a Resource Specialist, who’s adept at helping older adults and family caregivers connect with helpful resources.
Our free newsletter “Care Connections” provides information about caregiving issues and resources. Call or email me for a subscription. And many excellent websites lead caregivers through the basics and more complex issues of caring for an older loved one. To start, check out www.caregiver.org , www.caregiveraction.org , or www.alz.org.
There are a variety of ways to learn about caregiving-one or more will be just right for you.
~ Emily Cooper is Information and Referral Specialist for Caregiver Programs with Boulder County Area Agency on Aging, a Division of Community Services. For more information on BCAAA caregiver services, call 303-678-6116 or email InfoCaregiver@bouldercounty.org/.