AGING AND DISABILITY SERVICES ADMINISTRATION
Basics of Providing Care
There are a variety of different tasks you may be helping with.
Physical and occupational therapists, home health aides, and nurses can teach you techniques that will make your job easier and make sure that you and the person you are helping aren’t injured. Talk with your doctor about this.
It is always important to find out how the disease will impact care. Learn more.
Caregiver Guides
The following are all booklets that include step-by-step instructions on the basics of providing care.
- Caregiver Handbook (PDF) Washington State Aging and Disability Services Administration or order a free, printed copy.
- Because We Care – A Guide for People Who Care – Administration on Aging
- Caregiver Guide – National Institute on Aging
- How to Care: Your Eldercare Survival Guide
- Caregiver Manual from Strengthforcaring.com
Additional Resources
- Aging Parents: Helping When Health Fails, by V.L.Schmall and I. Isbess
- Growing Up and Growing Old, Caring For Our Parents, a video produced by Oregon Public Broadcasting with Oregon Senior and Disabled Services. To order go to www.opb.org or call 503/977-7792.
Websites on Caregiving
- Children of Aging Parents (CAPS)
- Caring.com
- Family Caregiver Alliance – National Center on Caregiving
- National Family Caregivers Association
- Caregiving.com
Helpful Gadgets or Assistive Devices
You will also want to know if there are any gadgets or assistive devices that can help the person remain as independent as possible.
The following websites cover the different types of assistive technology and how to find them.
