Resourses for Informal Caregivers

Caring for a loved one is an act of love in and of itself. But it is also an act that comes with many challenges and sacrifices. This is particularly true for informal caregivers: those who provide unpaid care for their aging parents, their partners or spouses, children, and other loved ones.

Who is considered to be an informal caregiver?

An informal caregiver is a person who tends to the daily needs and concerns of another, without having received formal healthcare training. This could include:

• Adult children who provide care for their older parents.
• Partners or spouses who care for their significant others during an illness.
• Parents who provide care for their children with disabilities.
• Siblings or friends who offer help on a regular basis.
• People who help older adults with at least one errand. This could involve scheduling medical appointments, getting their groceries, or picking up their prescriptions.

Common challenges faced by caregivers

Informal caregiving can significantly impact a caregiver’s physical and emotional health. Physically demanding tasks, such as lifting or physically assisting your loved one, can lead to body aches, chronic fatigue, and other physical effects. Caregivers may also experience emotional burden, stress, sleep problems, and social isolation, which can lead to symptoms of anxiety, depression, and emotional exhaustion. These factors make it more challenging to do things that would otherwise seem obvious. For example:

• Taking care of yourself: It’s easy to become so focused on taking care of someone else that you neglect your own well-being. This may cause stress, anxiety, exhaustion, and even illness.
• Taking care of the patient: Sometimes, you lack the necessary medical knowledge to handle certain conditions, which can lead to feelings of insecurity and fear of making mistakes.
• Access to services: Many people are unaware of the programs available designed to help caregivers with tasks, such as providing care, medications, transportation, or meals. This lack of information becomes a major obstacle.
• Time and money: Caring for a loved one may require you to reduce your work hours or even quit your job, which could have negative financial implications for you.

Where can you find support as an informal caregiver?

Although being a caregiver can be challenging, you are not alone. There are resources and programs that can help. Here are just a few:

1. Triple-S Advantage

Triple-S Advantage offers support services for caregivers. These may include telephone guidance, home visits, or care management classes. You may call the number on the back of your health insurance card to ask about the resources they offer.

2. Triple-S Foundation – Contigo Cuidador Program

This program provides informal caregivers in Puerto Rico with emotional, educational, and practical support through workshops and guides, and in some cases, direct support. Our goal is to support you on your journey, ensuring that you feel supported and capable of caring for yourself. The next workshop, Preparando meriendas nutritivas para el adulto mayor (“Healthy Meal Prep for Older Adults”), will be held on May 28 at the Triple-S building located on Roosevelt Ave. This workshop is also available virtually and is open to everyone free of charge. To register and learn more about this and other workshops, visit https://cuidadoresadvantage.grupotriples.com/en/.

3. American Association of Retired Persons (AARP)

AARP’s webpage includes a section dedicated to caregivers. It provides guides, videos, tools, and a list of support groups. It also includes a free helpline where you can talk to experts. Webpage: https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/

4. United Way

United Way offers local programs that connect caregivers with community resources, including transportation, meal delivery, and emotional support. You can reach a representative to request information by dialing 2-1-1 from any phone.

5. OPAPA (Organización en Pro de la Atención a la Persona con Alzheimer)

Is a nonprofit organization that specializes in providing comprehensive, non-pharmacological therapeutic services for people with memory loss in Puerto Rico. https://www.opapapr.org/

6. Alianza por la Salud del Pensionado (“Alliance for Retiree Health”)

This organization works to benefit older adults and their caregivers. It provides caregivers with guidance on their rights, support programs, and activities that can improve their quality of life and that of their loved ones. It also facilitates connecting with other resources on the island. https://alianzaporlasalud.com/

Caregiving is an act of kindness and courage but, remember, you also matter. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness. Rather, it is a responsible way to provide better care. By receiving support, you can continue caring for your loved one while also taking care of yourself. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, look for information, and accept help. There are organizations and people willing to support informal caregivers just like you.