How to Care for Older Adults During and After a Time of Social Distancing
Today, Leadership Montgomery partnered with AARP Maryland to discuss the challenges of caring for an older adult during the COVID-19 Crisis. Even in ordinary times, more than 770,000 unpaid family caregivers in Maryland face a daunting set of daily tasks. AARP offers guidance to family caregivers, specifically to help them create a plan for those they are caring for.
Of course, these are no ordinary times. Social distancing has complicated the lives of family caregivers, especially those with older loved ones. It has added anxiety and isolation to an already stressful situation, which was discussed today in three parts:
- Psychological Fallout of the Pandemic for Caregivers and the People They Care For – Michael B. Friedman, LMSW. AARP volunteer and Founder and Honorary Chair of the Geriatric Mental Health Alliance of New York.
- AARP Maryland Advocacy and Nursing Home Reform– Tammy Bresnahan, AARP Maryland Associate State Director for Advocacy
- Tips and tools for Caregivers/Caring for the Caregiver – Phyllis Meyerson, AARP Speakers Bureau Lead Volunteer
During the webinar, our presenters shared some great resources for those navigating the challenges of caregiving:
- AARP Caregiving Resource Center and Prepare to Care Booklet (available for download or hard copy): www.aarp.org/caregiving, 877-333-5885
- Alzheimer’s Association: www.alz.org, 800-272-3900
- National Alliance for Caregiving: www.caregiving.org
- Veteran’s Affairs: www.caregiver.va.gov, 855-260-3274
- Center for Disease Control: USA.gov/coronavirus
- Prepare to Care Booklet: www.aarp.org/caregiving or call 877-333-5885 to request a hard copy
- National Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990
Click below to watch the full video: