Memory Care Resources

Receiving an Alzheimer’s diagnosis can be devastating for both seniors and their loved ones. And while the news itself can be overwhelming, getting the right diagnosis is also the first step in receiving the right care. From therapies to medications, new and innovative treatments are being developed all the time to improve the quality of life of those living with memory impairment.

Understanding the disease and getting the right treatment as soon as possible is the best way to ensure that patients lead the best lives possible.

Caregiver Burnout: Symptoms and How to Avoid Them

Caring for a loved one or even for others is a very noble deed. While it can be very rewarding, it could also involve a lot of stressors. If the stress of caregivers goes unnoticed, it eventually takes a toll not only on their physical health but their mental wellness as well. Learning to recognize the signs and symptoms of burnout is very important to prevent things from going out of control and begin improving the situation between the caregiver and the person being cared for.

This guide we are sharing offers information on symptoms of caregiver burnout as well as practical tips to avoid them. You will also find some relevant statistics on caregiver burnout and a caregiver can do self-check if he/she is experiencing burnout.

Military and Veteran Caregiver Network

The Military and Veteran Caregiver Peer Support Network (MVCN) offers peer-based support and services to connect those providing care to servicemembers and veterans living with wounds, illnesses and/or injuries.  

The Network is modeled on the nationally recognized, evidence-based programs of the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), which has provided compassionate peer-based support to more than 60,000 loved ones of those who have died during their service in the Armed Forces. Caregivers have access to three support programs: 1) online peer support, 2) peer mentor support program, 3) peer support groups (online & community based).

Additional support

• Resource library
• Links to webinars

DoD Caregiver Resource Directory

The CRD is designed to help empower military caregivers with information about national-level resources and programs specifically for them. Topics include: helplines, advocacy and benefit information, career transitions and employment, military caregiver support, children’s needs, education and training, financial support, rest and relaxation, and others. 

Additional support

• PEER Forum Initiative
• Military Caregiver Virtual Forums
• Military Caregiver webinars
• Events
• Specialized resources

The Elizabeth Dole Foundation

The Foundation’s programs provide military and veteran caregivers the support they need at the local, state, and national levels. These programs engage individuals, organizations, and communities across the country to get involved and make a difference in the lives of military caregivers.

Additional support

• Dole Caregiver Fellows
• Impact Forum
• Landmark Research
• Hidden Heroes Caregiving Community

VA Caregiver Support

Provides a monthly stipend, travel expenses, health insurance, caregiver training, and up to 30 days of respite care annually for home caregivers of seriously wounded veterans. The veteran must be enrolled in the VA to receie these benefits for their caregiver. Available to post-9/11 veterans only.

VA Coaching into Care

Coaching into Care is a national telephone service of the VA which aims to educate, support, and empower family members and friends who are seeking care or services for a Veteran. Our goal is to help Veterans, their family members, and other loved ones find the appropriate services at their local VA facilities and/or in their community.

We also provide coaching to family and friends of Veterans who see that a Veteran in their life may be having difficulty adjusting to civilian life. Coaching is provided by licensed psychologists or social workers, free of charge. Coaching involves helping our caller figure out how to motivate the Veteran to seek treatment. We can help you get information about mental health, services at the VA and tips on how to begin the conversation about treatment with a loved one who is a Veteran.

Yellow Ribbon Fund

Time spent care-giving can lead to the loss of income/jobs and exact a substantial physical and emotional toll. In response to the need, the Yellow Ribbon Fund developed the Keystone Program. The care and love of a military caregiver is invaluable and unending, but its emotional and financial cost is profound. It is imperative to support military caregivers, as these individuals serve as their family's keystones, the apex of an arch enabling the structure to bear its weight. Without a supportive structure in place, our Nation's heroes could not prevail in the operative and postoperative rehabilitation process and successfully transition into civilian life.

Whether committing to life-long treatment at WRNMMC and relocating to Bethesda, MD, or returning home to continue treatment at the local VA medical center, service members and their families can be assured Yellow Ribbon Fund will provide a pipeline of sanctuary and support to both our Nation's Heroes and Hidden Heroes. The Keystone Program provides transitional services and training to caregivers, at any point in their journey; health and wellness education events; life skills development and educational opportunities; family retreats; and peer-to-peer support and networking.

Additional support

• Crossroads - providing no-cost rental cars, hotel stays, apartments for families of patients at Walter Reed
• Annual Family Retreat

The Semper Fi Fund

Semper Fi Fund is dedicated to providing immediate financial assistance and lifetime support to combat wounded, critically ill and catastrophically injured members of all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families, ensuring that they have the resources they need during their recovery and transition back into their communities.

Wounded Warrior Family Support

Wounded Warrior Family Support has a mission to support families of those who have been wounded, injured, or killed during combat operations. They serve caregivers by providing secondary caregiver assistance, child care, respite programs, and resources.

Military OneSource

Sometimes strength means asking for help. Military OneSource connects you - or immediate family members - to that needed help, whether it involves spouse education and career opportunities, matters specific to families with special needs, financial and tax counseling or other important issues. Military OneSource offers a call center and online support to connect you to the program or professional to make sure that you receive the assistance you need.

Easter Seals

Easter Seals offers free caregiver training and respite care to military caregivers. The organization specializes in serving those with disabilities but offers workshops and trainings specific to military caregivers.

The Unspoken Heroes Program

The Unspoken Heroes Program supports Gold Star families an veteran caregivers with a variety of thoughtful gifts. They send care packages and spa gift cards to military caregivers. The program also hosts appreciation banquets to pamper deserving caregivers.

Hearts of Valor

Hearts of Valor, operated by Operation Homefront, is a network of caregivers. They provide support groups, retreats, and online forums for their members.

Blue Star Families

Blue Star Families has workshops that respond to caregiver needs. Caregivers Empowering Caregivers offers local training activities and meetups near military bases. Operation Caregiver helps when you are first adusting to the challenges of being a caregiver.

The Caregiver Action Network

The Caregiver Action Network is not specific to military families. It connects millions of caregivers all over the country, whether they care for a wounded family member or a parent suffering from Alzheimer's. They offer support such as helpful tips, videos, questions to ask your doctor, and legal options to pursue.

The Medicare Plans Patient Resource Center

The Medicare Plans Patient Resource Center supports the families and loved ones of older adults and people with disabilities. We’re dedicated to providing access to affordable health care through educational programs, interactive resources, and functional tools. Our team of experts helps current and future Medicare patients build their understanding of Medicare while navigating the complex system. With an active community of patients, experts, and health care providers, we support the elderly and disabled communities with community-based education and actionable solutions for Medicare to address your health care needs.

Mesothelioma & Veterans

Veterans account for 30% of mesothelioma claims filed annually. Veterans who served in certain military occupations between 1930 and 1980 have a high risk of developing mesothelioma because nearly every branch of the military relied on asbestos. Veterans with mesothelioma can file for VA benefits. The Mesothelioma Center provides free information, resources, and personal assistance to those who have been affected by life-threatening diseases caused by asbestos exposure and can help veterans file for their VA benefits.

12 Books to Read if You're an Adult Caregiver

Becoming a caregiver for your parents can lead to questions and uncertainties about how to navigate this new normal. A study in the American Journal of Nursing found that caregiving often results in chronic stress and can lead to impaired physical and psychological health in caregivers. It may help to hear stories and gain insights from caregiving experts and others who can relate to your struggle. Caregiver books may provide that assistance.

Check out the following books for caregivers if you’re looking for guidance and inspiration. These best books for caregivers may help you achieve the balance you’re after.

The Veterans Art Project (VETART)

The Veterans Art Project (VETART)  is an arts organization in the San Diego, CA area that promotes “mental wealth” through the arts for veterans, active-duty military members, spouses, dependents, and their caregivers. VETART provides free art classes that help veterans transition from military to civilian life and to help veterans who are struggling with PTSD, depression, and other mental health issues.

VETART participates in a statewide innovation project[GG1]  to produce Pop-Up Cafés, with the dual goal of introducing the available creative arts and local mental health resources to the local veteran community. The Pop-Up Cafés are designed to engage dialogue, foster networking, and build a greater understanding of the unique experiences and mental health challenges of the extended veteran community. Event attendees hear directly from the veteran artists about their personal art-making process and how they have used artistic expression as part of their healing journey, while representatives from community health providers provide information about behavioral health and other resources available to veterans in their community.