Building Your Caregiving Team
You’ve heard it takes a village to raise a child? Well, it definitely takes a team to deliver caregiving.
Because of the multi-faceted role that family and informal caregivers play, you need a range of support services not only to care for your loved one, but also to remain healthy, improve your caregiving skills and remain active in your caregiving role. Support services may include information, assistance, counseling, respite, home modifications and assistive devices, support groups and family counseling, among others.
Unfortunately, there’s little consistency from community to community as to how these services are delivered, and who delivers them.
But some good places to start identifying service providers are:
Your local hospital. They often have a list of medical providers and can help with the processes necessary to connect with them.
Advocacy Groups and Industry Organisations. There are many but a good starting place to begin looking is Carers New Zealand. Check outwww.carers.net.nz
Churches in your community. Faith-based organizations are being asked to man the front lines of delivering community services, so they’re often a great place to get started when assembling information about key service providers.
Other local helping and/or philanthropic organizations. This might be the local Citizens Advice Bureau, a local foundation or centre, a local training institution with a disabilities studies program, or a local branch of a national organization such as Supporting Families or The Brain Injury Association.
Major employers. While many services are available through local government agencies, service organizations, or faith-based organizations, employers are also beginning to implement workplace support programs that mitigate the impact caregiving has on workers. If you work for a large employer, be sure to check with the HR department to see what information is available.
Government Organisations. This includes ACC and Ministry of Health. These organisations are the main government funders of care services. They will have a database of providers that could supply you with the appropriate support.
What Ever it Takes Home Based Rehabilitation and Support Services. We can help you build a team. Our service is based on quality and our commitment is to our clients and their families.
As a caregiver, you need to learn to ask for the help necessary to support your loved one effectively. Whether it’s counseling, support groups, family help, financial assistance, or increasing understanding of your situation in the workplace, don’t be afraid to voice your concerns and ask for assistance. Start building your team now..