Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Social Work Commons

Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Articles 1 - 9 of 9

Full-Text Articles in Social Work

Health And Aging: A Roadmap For Maine’S Older Adults And Their Families, Lenard W. Kaye, Dyan M. Villeneuve Jan 2007

Health And Aging: A Roadmap For Maine’S Older Adults And Their Families, Lenard W. Kaye, Dyan M. Villeneuve

Maine Center on Aging Research and Evaluation

The rapid aging of Maine’s population has created a range of challenges associated with maximizing the health and well-being of our older citizens. This issue brief considers a series of policy and programmatic approaches to promoting healthy aging lifestyles in the state while ensuring the continued involvement of relatives and other informal supports in all such efforts. Much of the current legislation that governs policy decisions regarding social service delivery and allocation of funds for Maine’s elders is funneled through the Older Americans Act, but this has not kept pace over the past 20 years. One key factor that is …


Caregiving Resources: Family Fact Sheet #7, Eastern Agency On Aging, University Of Maine Center On Aging, Aroostook Area Agency On Aging, Senior Spectrum, Rosscare, Norumbega Medical, Horizons Health Services, Indian Township Tribal Health Center, Bucksport Regional Health Center Jun 2004

Caregiving Resources: Family Fact Sheet #7, Eastern Agency On Aging, University Of Maine Center On Aging, Aroostook Area Agency On Aging, Senior Spectrum, Rosscare, Norumbega Medical, Horizons Health Services, Indian Township Tribal Health Center, Bucksport Regional Health Center

Maine Center on Aging Service and Consultation

There are many resources available to assist informal caregivers, and not all are based on income requirements. Local resources that exist are your Local Area Agency on Aging, the Maine Alzheimer’s Association Helpline, and the Bureau of Elder and Adult Services. Federal resources include Elder Care Locator and AARP. Before calling a resource specialist, make sure to have basic information about your loved one, as they may ask about their demographic, health, legal, and financial information. Call ahead to familiarize yourself with options in order to be prepared before a crisis occurs.


A Grandmother Describes Her Adjustment To Parenting Her Grandchildren, University Of Maine Center On Aging Jan 2004

A Grandmother Describes Her Adjustment To Parenting Her Grandchildren, University Of Maine Center On Aging

Maine Center on Aging Education and Training

This article is a grandmother’s story about parenting her grandchildren. She discusses the stresses of this role, the issues faced from the legal side, family issues, as well as their means of achieving help and support in this situation.


Working With Kinship Families: Reflections Of A Clinician, Bonny Dodson, University Of Maine Center On Aging Jan 2004

Working With Kinship Families: Reflections Of A Clinician, Bonny Dodson, University Of Maine Center On Aging

Maine Center on Aging Education and Training

As families are face increasing pressures, kinship care is becoming a more common occurrence. Furthermore, as the foster care system becomes more taxed, informal kinship care is becoming more prevalent. This article looks at work with kinship families from a clinician’s perspective. Case examples and models are utilized to promote collaborative efforts in working with these families and allowing for the best care possible.


Kinship Websites, Bonny Dodson, University Of Maine Center On Aging Jan 2004

Kinship Websites, Bonny Dodson, University Of Maine Center On Aging

Maine Center on Aging Education and Training

This article includes a compilation of websites for both Maine and national resources for kinship care.


The Healthcare Team Includes The Caregiver: Family Fact Sheet #3, Eastern Agency On Aging, University Of Maine Center On Aging, Aroostook Area Agency On Aging, Senior Spectrum, Rosscare, Norumbega Medical, Horizons Health Services, Indian Township Tribal Health Center, Bucksport Regional Health Center Oct 2003

The Healthcare Team Includes The Caregiver: Family Fact Sheet #3, Eastern Agency On Aging, University Of Maine Center On Aging, Aroostook Area Agency On Aging, Senior Spectrum, Rosscare, Norumbega Medical, Horizons Health Services, Indian Township Tribal Health Center, Bucksport Regional Health Center

Maine Center on Aging Service and Consultation

As an informal caregiver to an older relative, it is important to properly communicate information in order to ensure the best possible care of this individual. Open discussion between the physician and the informal caregiver will allow for the best possible options to be chosen in regard to treatment and cost.


Intimacy: Family Fact Sheet #4, Eastern Agency On Aging, University Of Maine Center On Aging, Aroostook Area Agency On Aging, Senior Spectrum, Rosscare, Norumbega Medical, Horizons Health Services, Indian Township Tribal Health Center, Bucksport Regional Health Center Mar 2003

Intimacy: Family Fact Sheet #4, Eastern Agency On Aging, University Of Maine Center On Aging, Aroostook Area Agency On Aging, Senior Spectrum, Rosscare, Norumbega Medical, Horizons Health Services, Indian Township Tribal Health Center, Bucksport Regional Health Center

Maine Center on Aging Service and Consultation

As a family caregiver takes on new roles, family patterns may be altered. One hidden cost to caregiving is measured in emotional exchange. Loss of sexual and emotional intimacy is not uncommon. Touch establishes connect, reassurance, safety, or relaxation. As a family caregiver, if you are experiencing issues with intimacy, you may find it helpful to discuss this with your physician.


Depression: Family Fact Sheet #2, Eastern Agency On Aging, University Of Maine Center On Aging, Aroostook Area Agency On Aging, Senior Spectrum, Rosscare, Norumbega Medical, Horizons Health Services, Indian Township Tribal Health Center, Bucksport Regional Health Center Sep 2002

Depression: Family Fact Sheet #2, Eastern Agency On Aging, University Of Maine Center On Aging, Aroostook Area Agency On Aging, Senior Spectrum, Rosscare, Norumbega Medical, Horizons Health Services, Indian Township Tribal Health Center, Bucksport Regional Health Center

Maine Center on Aging Service and Consultation

Caregiving does not cause depression, but some may experience it, as many sacrifice their own physical and emotional needs in order to provide care to others. Symptoms of depression may include a change in eating habits, sleep patterns, feelings of constant exhaustion, loss of interest in things that once brought you pleasure, thoughts of suicide, among others. If any of these symptoms persist for more than two weeks, it is important to recognize and get help with these issues. Depression is a highly curable illness with appropriate medical care.


A Handbook For People Who Care: Caring For Parents And Other Older Adults, Eastern Agency On Aging, University Of Maine Center On Aging, Aroostook Area Agency On Aging, Senior Spectrum, Rosscare, Norumbega Medical, Horizons Health Services, Indian Township Tribal Health Center, Bucksport Regional Health Center Jul 2002

A Handbook For People Who Care: Caring For Parents And Other Older Adults, Eastern Agency On Aging, University Of Maine Center On Aging, Aroostook Area Agency On Aging, Senior Spectrum, Rosscare, Norumbega Medical, Horizons Health Services, Indian Township Tribal Health Center, Bucksport Regional Health Center

Maine Center on Aging Service and Consultation

Family caregivers are a diverse group of individuals. Forty-eight percent care for spouses or life partners, 24 percent care for a parent, and 19 percent care for a child or grandchild. Nearly two out of every three family caregivers are working individual, and almost half spend 40 hours a week on caregiving tasks. Seventy-five percent of spousal caregivers receive little to no outside resources. Resources available include Meals for Me, Personal Care Services, Respite, and Senior Companion. There are options for community services, homemaker services, and home-based care. Contact your local Area Agency on Aging to discover resources available to …