Rural Caregiving

There are a wide range of services and supports available to assist caregivers in ensuring the health and well-being of the loved one in their care.

Accessing services and supports, however, can sometimes be a challenge, even in metropolitan areas with an active aging-services network. In rural areas, those challenges are magnified. A smaller population likely means the presence of fewer provider agencies that can step in to help. Medical and health services may be located a great distance away. While these and other obstacles to caregivers will likely persist, there are ways to manage these challenges to help you help your loved one live with a high quality of life and to help you manage your caregiving tasks.

Accessing Resources

Today's caregivers are fortunate to live in the Internet age, where information is easily accessible from a home computer. Filtering through the world of information to find reliable resources can be daunting, but well worth the trouble.

Here are a few websites that rural caregivers will find useful:

• Eldercare Locator The Eldercare Locator from the US Administration on Aging is a national database of services and supports for older adults and caregivers. If home care, day programs, home-delivered meals or companionship services are available in your area, they are likely to be listed here. You can also contact the service by phone at 1-800-677-1116.
• National Association of Area Agencies on Aging Another helpful resource for accessing care is your local area agency on aging, which you can find using the Eldercare Locator mentioned above. AAAs, which were established under the Older Americans Act, help people aged 60 and older connect to resources in their communities. Through more than 600 AAAs across the country, rural, urban and suburban caregivers can find information and assistance with home and community-based services, transportation, care transitions and more.
• Family Caregiver Alliance The Family Caregiver Alliance provides information and support to family caregivers. The website includes useful information on caregiving as well as online support groups.

Take Time for You

Caregiving can be stressful and that stress will only be compounded through isolation. Stay connected to your community by visiting neighbors, attending your place of worship, or having lunch with a friend. If the loved one in your care needs 24/7 care, ask a trusted friend or family member to stay with them while you run errands or just take a break.

Connect with other caregivers in your community to share your experiences, challenges and success stories. It helps to know that you are not alone in your struggles. If face-to-face meetings are not practical, consider joining an online caregiving support group such as the one mentioned above.

The Alzheimer's Association offers online support through alzconnected.org for caregivers of people with dementia. Caring.com also offers message boards for caregivers to share their experiences and seek advice from their peers.