The most important item in a caregiver’s toolbox when there is an opioid prescription in the home. When a loved one is prescribed an opioid to help manage the unique pain from cancer treatments, the disease itself or another chronic illness, a naloxone kit should be ordered as well. Naloxone is a safe, generic unscheduled…

Breathing provides us with the most important thing we need to live: oxygen. But as we age, we fall into bad habits; we do not breathe in the most optimal or ideal way. And when stressed, it can feel as if we forget to breathe altogether. Exploring the mechanics of breathing will help us understand…

For Immediate Help National Suicide Prevent Lifeline – 1 (800) 273-TALK (8255) The deaf and hard of hearing can contact the Lifeline via TTY – 1 (800) 799-4889 Crisis Text Line – Text “help” to 741741 to communicate with a counselor Dial 911 The Veterans Crisis Line: 1 (800) 273-8255, press 1 Text: 8383255 Confidential…

anticipatory grief – The grief or mourning that occurs when a death or great loss is expected. anxiety – A state of apprehension, uncertainty, and fear resulting from the anticipation of a realistic or fantasized threatening event or situation, often impairing physical and psychological functioning. awareness – Knowledge and understanding that something is happening or…

Department of Veterans Affairs, Family Caregiver Assistance Program – Find out eligibility and how to apply for the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC). This program offers caregiver training programs, peer support mentoring, educational resources, support services and multiple tools to help military and Veteran caregivers. Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving (RCI) –…

The StewARTworks Foundation supports the family caregiver’s right to: Maintain and promote their own health and wellbeing. Expect all their loved one’s healthcare professionals to be knowledgeable about concerns and options related to the care recipient, caregiver and family; and to recognize the importance of the palliative care support system to improving the overall quality…

GET PALLIATIVE CARE How to Prepare Your Own Advance Directives Planning for Serious Illness. Advocating for Loved Ones Healthcare Proxy vs. Living Will Planning for the Future: A Living Will Update CONVERSATION PROJECT – Dedicated to helping people talk about their wishes for advance health care planning. An initiative of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement…

How caregivers can help their loved ones who are being treated for pain and what to expect from pain management.

Caregivers play an important role in advocating for their loved ones.

A brief description of important words, terms and phrases

Articles and publications covering a wide range of topics related to caregiving, palliative care and pain management.

Helpful links to organizations and online guides that support caregivers.

A reading list of books that caregivers will find informative and interesting.

Enjoy or create art to help ease stress and anxiety.

Everything needed for a visit to the emergency room in one bag.

The health and well being of caregivers is critical for providing care to their loved ones.

How caregivers can balance the stresses and demands of caregiving and palliative care.

Information to help you establish a stable foundation on which to build your caregiving.