AARP, USC & KIRC – teamwork to guide California family caregivers: Teletown Hall

Hello KIRC fam~

This past week Keeping It REAL Caregiving had the honor to join an informational and supportive Teletown Hall hosted by AARP California.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH

AARP California – Caring for the Caregiver

 

I partnered with our moderator and fellow speaker, both of whom are incredibly knowledgeable about family caregiving and the resources available. This was the rundown:

Moderator: Dr. Donna Benton, Director, USC Family Caregiver Support Center/Los Angeles Caregiver Resource Center

Speaker: Leigh Broadway, Los Angeles Caregiving Volunteer Lead

Speaker: Julia Yarbough, Creator/Keeping It REAL Caregiving

You can listen to the segment here – OR – visit the AARP California Facebook Page to also find the link.

AARP California – Caring for the Caregiver

As someone who has moved through family caregiving, and based on the types of questions callers asked and the type of help they needed, I can’t stress this enough:

It is CRUCIAL you begin preparing sooner rather than later, for the eventuality of being a family caregiver.

Plan & prepare

  1. Start the Conversation with your loved one about their care. The sooner the better.

  2. Form your team: relatives, friends, colleagues, organizations.

  3. Make a plan. Create a roadmap of all the ‘what-ifs’ so you are able to respond when necessary.

  4. Find support. Start early to identify professionals and other organizations which offer services and support.

  5. Care for yourself. Remember, you can’t take care of others if you are not first taking care of YOU!

Keeping It REAL Caregiving has talked about what I call The Three P’s – Practical, Plan & Prepare. Watch this webinar to learn more.

 

AARP also has a wonderful Prepare to Care Guide which outlines these preparation steps, and is available in several different languages. I encouarge all of you to begin educating yourselves early!

Additional California resources

AARP Caregiving Resource Center

AARP Caregiving Resource Line: 1-877-333-5885.

The support line is also available in Spanish, at 1-888-971-2013. Hours of operation are 5 AM to 5 PM (PT) Monday-Friday.

Caregiver Resource Centers – (CA State Program) – Operates out of 11 centers in California:

AARP California Caregiver State Resource Guide

California Paid Family Leave Program (also available in Spanish)

California Paid Sick Leave program (also available in Spanish)

For information about other state programs, such as In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) or call 211 in your area.

*NOT in California?

  • This is the time to reach out to your local Area Agency on Aging to learn about programs in your area.

  • This is the time to reach out to your local, regional, and state political representatives to urge them to take action to support family caregivers.

     

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Until next time~
Julia