fitzgerald [30 Nov : 13:31]

If you are viewing this and not registered we have disabled the signin requirement for this chat. Please feel free to post!

fitzgerald [30 Nov : 13:30]

If you are having trouble logging in please email me at -email-

fitzgerald [30 Nov : 13:19]

I am available to chat until 2. You must be logged in to chat. If you miss todays chat and want to talk about the topic further, please feel free to post in our forum section.

fitzgerald [30 Nov : 13:18]

By planning for other caregivers to step in whether it be family or paid care you are taking care of yourself. It can be hard to relinquish control but it is sometimes neccessary. Life is not always straightfoward and situations change. It is most important that we recognize this and allow ourselves to accept changes.

fitzgerald [30 Nov : 13:11]

Allowing care recipients to move on to a different living situation can include another family member assuming responsibilities or placement in a care facility.

fitzgerald [30 Nov : 13:08]

One type of caregivers or those caring for loved ones with a need for continued caregiver, for example a child with Down Syndrome. As parents age, they must plan for where to place their children after they can no longer continue to care for them. There are many options. Pennsylvania has Adult Placement for Foster Care. In Allegheny County, it is called DOM Care. For more information please check out >click for link<

fitzgerald [30 Nov : 13:08]

Certainly in the event of a terminal illness or declining condition planning for the death of a loved one can mark the end of caregiving. But just as often we end responsibilities due to health improvement, a change in living arrangements or the addition of other caregivers.

fitzgerald [30 Nov : 13:04]

While this can seem like a very sad topic it doesn’t have to be. Just as there are many reasons why we become caregiver there are many reasons why we are no longer caregivers.

fitzgerald [30 Nov : 13:03]

Today we are going to talk about life after caregiving. This means planning for what you need and what your loved ones need.

fitzgerald [30 Nov : 12:56]

Chat today at 1.

laureld [29 Nov : 11:01]

Chat today rescheduled until 11-30! Thank you!

fitzgerald [14 Nov : 14:01]

So I do want to mention before I go today. Our next support group is in December at the Northland Public Library in the North HIlls (See calendar). We have calls often from caregivers looking for support group. Unfortunately our attendance at these groups is low. We are considering discontinuing the groups so we can focus our organization is different directions. I urge you to consider attending a group or contacting us if this is something that is important to you. All of our funding is donation based. All of our resources are limited. While our services are free we must be frugal with how we serve. Take care, Katie

fitzgerald [14 Nov : 13:36]

The following links are crucial for caregivers. Condider bookmarking them. FCA has a chat and message board opportunities by specific condition or caregiving experience (PCSN is specific to Pittsburgh only). Family Caregiver Alliance >click for link< Family Support Clearinghouse For families who caring for loved ones with disabilities >click for link< Health and Human Services >click for link< Medicare This new site is a great foundation for caregivers >click for link< National Family Caregiver Association >click for link<

fitzgerald [14 Nov : 13:29]

Resources for long distance caregivers can be found at AARP. AARP From this link click on "Get Organized" or "Long Distance Caregiving". These tools are crucial! >click for link<

fitzgerald [14 Nov : 13:26]

I went to the National Caregivers Library and I was surprised at the amount of information available. Simple worksheets to help you organize and manage medication schedules and appointments. I particularly liked the simple contact and medical information sheets. These things are documents we could make on our own if we had time. But we don't always have that available to us.

fitzgerald [14 Nov : 13:24]

Information Resources, National Caregivers Library This is a very comprehensive site with many fact sheets. Check out the tools for assessing your family's needs or how to build a care network. >click for link<

fitzgerald [14 Nov : 13:24]

I wanted to mention some online resources for caregivers. We have done this in the past and we do have some listed on our website. But we don't always have time to pursue links...and it is nice to have someone do a little work for us. :) let me work for you today!

fitzgerald [14 Nov : 13:13]

If you have questions today, please log in and post. If you have trouble logging in, please email me at -email- and I will try and get you on quickly!

fitzgerald [14 Nov : 13:12]

If you are a caregiver please know that your work is honored. It is neccessary and makes all the difference in the care, recovery or illness journey of your loved ones.

fitzgerald [14 Nov : 13:11]

November is National Caregiver Month, as decreed by President Obama. >click for link<

fitzgerald [14 Nov : 13:10]

Hello adn welcome to PCSN.

fitzgerald [14 Nov : 10:50]

Chat today at 1!

fitzgerald [12 Oct : 14:05]

thank you so much! We haven't scheduled a time yet but look on our calendar for another chat next month.

fitzgerald [12 Oct : 13:59]

Thanks Ashley! Yes! and We also serve caregivers for physical and mental illness.

aschuetz [12 Oct : 13:58]

I would like to say thank you and I hope this was helpful. Also, I know many people I have spoken to thought that PCSN was just for caregivers of older adults, but PCSN is for anyone who is caring for someone, regardless of age.

fitzgerald [12 Oct : 13:55]

I think I need to sign out for today~ Ashley is there anything else that you wanted to mention today?

aschuetz [12 Oct : 13:55]

Being a new caregiver can be quite a challenge and frightening. Having a resource to turn to is always helpful. Thank you for sharing the national organization for caregivers link

fitzgerald [12 Oct : 13:51]

Yes! and flu shots these days are easily obtained at the drug store. This is an excellent way to help keep your household healthy.

fitzgerald [12 Oct : 13:49]

I do want to list a few more news items and resources today. A userful article about caring for loved ones with a mental illness can be found here: >click for link< The article cites that caregivers who prioritize their goals are better able to cope with caregiving and manage stress. And for long distance caregivers, the NYTs discussed using Skype for health management with miles keeps you from your loved ones. Skype allows for free video conferencing; and for caregivers another opportunity to check in and connect with their loved ones. >click for link< And for Children of Aging Parents who are new to caregiving, please check out >click for link< a national organization for caregivers.

aschuetz [12 Oct : 13:49]

Going back to the caregivers health, making sure you take time for your yearly check ups with your PCP and other doctors is also important. Make sure you have all your immunizations up to date. It's that time of year for your flu shot!

fitzgerald [12 Oct : 13:42]

To be listed...you should contact Agewell. a local nonprofit/ Respite care/caregivers can also be listed/found on sites like Sittercity (where caregivers can be searched by credentials)

aschuetz [12 Oct : 13:37]

How would someone become a respite care worker if they were interested?

fitzgerald [12 Oct : 13:28]

yes! respite care is crucial. if you are hiring a respite care worker, AGEwell pittsburgh does offer a resource list of screened caregivers. >click for link<

aschuetz [12 Oct : 13:22]

It can even be helpful if someone comes over for an hour or two so the caregiver can go do laundry or take a nap.

aschuetz [12 Oct : 13:20]

Thank you for the link. This is a great recommendation.

fitzgerald [12 Oct : 13:17]

There is a great resouce to planning for meal "gifts" from friends. Caregivers might consider signing up for this and sharing it with loved ones. >click for link< A care calendar allows friends and family to submit meals for friends who are caregiving. This gives the caregiver a break and allows people who care about you to help. This can also be arranged informally among friends...without registration on the website.

aschuetz [12 Oct : 13:12]

Meal planning is difficult for anyone, especially when planning for yourself and the person you are caring for. The meal planning is a good idea. Making meals that are easily freezable is another good way to save time. You can pull them out the day before and have dinner ready for the next day

fitzgerald [12 Oct : 13:08]

Healthy food~ This is a great idea. This is also a task that seems like you could delegate. Or share with a friend? Have a friend come once a week and help you set aside meals. You get to catch up on conversation, plan for the week and take care of your health.

aschuetz [12 Oct : 13:05]

Good suggestion. Having healthy snacks handy is another good idea. Nuts, cheese, granola, fruit, etc.... This can help maintain a healthy diet

fitzgerald [12 Oct : 13:03]

Sorry I overlapped with you Ashley. You're right: exercise helps with stress. Even a walk outside....15 minutes around the block can help. I call it the smoke free cigarette break. Go outside. Look around. Get some fresh air.

aschuetz [12 Oct : 13:02]

Caregiving can be very rewarding, but the chronic stress associated with caregiving can cause negative health consequenses. Like you said, you don't have to do it alone!

fitzgerald [12 Oct : 13:00]

Yes! As caregivers we find often that we FEEL like we have to do everything. You don't have to do it alone. That is the quickest way to burnout. Delegate tasks. Ask friends and family for help. Hire someone if you can.

aschuetz [12 Oct : 12:58]

Asking family and friends for help will allow some time for the caregiver. Also, some insurances offer part-time in-home care.

aschuetz [12 Oct : 12:56]

Stress reduction is another issue. Many people are afraid to ask for help, but just an hour or two a week at the gym or out to lunch with a friend can really help relieve stress.

fitzgerald [12 Oct : 12:56]

ok. So we know this. How can we make time for it?

aschuetz [12 Oct : 12:55]

Correct. Exercising, eating well and getting plenty of sleep seem to be unrealistic when caring for someone. It is important that the caregiver takes time for themself to be able to maintain their health so they can provide care for others.

fitzgerald [12 Oct : 12:53]

This is true. Caregiving can be stressful and pull us away from many obligations. So, we always have to play catchup with work, housework, relationships. This makes it hard to have downtime...or time to even do things that are good for us like exercising or eating well.

aschuetz [12 Oct : 12:51]

Yes. I would like to talk about the importance of self care for the caregivers. Many people often forget about their own health and wellbeing while caring for others.

fitzgerald [12 Oct : 12:50]

So today we are talking about self care for caregivers?

aschuetz [12 Oct : 12:49]

Thanks. I am glad to be able to participate in this chat!