It's important to help others in the sandwich generation so families like the one pictured can play in the ocean carefree and stress-free.
How to Help Others from the Sandwich Generation

Contributed by Haley Burress

You likely know someone who is living in the “sandwich generation”; the adults who are caring for both their own children and their aging parents. They might be your neighbors, someone at your church, or even you. Nearly half of middle aged parents are a part of this demographic, being pulled from parent-teacher conferences to geriatrician appointments and everywhere in between. In order to help others from the sandwich generation, you must find ways to lighten their load both emotionally and physically. We’ll get you headed in the right direction to help others with a few of our tips.

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Caring for Kids and Parents: Help for the Sandwich Generation

What’s your favorite kind of sandwich? Roast beef and cheddar? Peanut butter and jelly? Hummus and veggie? Sandwiches, much like us, are diverse and varied, sometimes simple, sometimes complicated. But they always have one thing in common: the middle component holds it all together. If you are caring for kids and parents at the same time – you are the middle component holding it all together.

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Sandwich Generation Juggling Act – the 3 Cs (Children, Career, Caregiving)

By: Sherri Snelling

Photo: Flynt/ Dreamstime

This Wednesday at 2pm EST I will be speaking during Lotsa’s Sandwich Generation Juggling Act webinar, a special session devoted to the 24 million Americans who are literally sandwiched between caring for two generations.  Representing approximately 38 percent of all caregivers, Sandwich Generation members are still parenting children living at home while they also care for older parents who now need more help.

Because Sandwich Generation caregivers tend to be in their 40s, 50s and even 60s, seven out of 10 are also juggling a career along with child rearing and caregiving.  With so many balls in the air, the Sandwich Generation caregivers often feel overwhelmed, burned out and stressed to their limits.  These caregivers are caught in a three-ring circus of children, career and caregiving, and they are the star juggling act.   At some point, the ball that gets dropped is the one that says self-care.

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Learn how to write a will and get your documents organized.
4 Ways Online Calendars Make Life So Much Easier

Contributed by Nathan McVeigh

Busy caregivers use online calendars, email reminders, day planners, and a slew of other tools to keep themselves in the right place at the right time. The same can definitely be said for anyone with multiple children, a pair of aging parents, or any other group of important people who have to organize certain needs. With such a responsibility placed on one person, there is a way to make sense of when to accomplish what: online calendars.

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September 2012 Webinar

Sandwich Generation Juggling Act: Balancing Children, Career and Caregiving

The Sandwich Generation is the generation of Americans caring for an aging parent while also raising their children – literally squeezed between caring for two generations simultaneously.When you’re juggling work, family and caring for others, it’s hard to remember to care for yourself.

Sherri Snelling of the Caregiving Club speaks about the key challenges that Sandwich Generation caregivers face as well as offers creative solutions to these challenges.


Tip: When watching, click this icon to view full screen.

Return to the Webinar page

Have questions? Contact us at info@lotsahelpinghands.com

August 2014 Newsletter

 

 

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Dear Friend,

WELCOME TO LOTSA COMMUNITY WORKS


Featured this month:


Can you hear the ring of school bells in the distance? Can you feel just a nip of cooler weather as the sun sets?

With just a few more weeks left of summer, the warm season is winding down and busy fall schedules are just around the corner. Here at Lotsa Helping Hands, we dread packing away our suitcases and swimsuits, but we are always happy to welcome everyone back from vacations and settle into more regular routines.

If you are caring for a loved one, your responsibilities may not change much from season to season. Perhaps with some help from your community, you can get an extra hand, take an extra moment to relax or simply soak up a little extra sunshine and you-time. We hope these ideas can help you enjoy the last few weeks of summer. Check out our five tips on making the most out of the last few weeks of summer, over on our blog!

     From our Community to yours,

Hal Chapel, Co-Founder & CEO

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Lotsa News


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Happy Birthday Mrs. Carter

This August 18th is First Lady Rosalynn Carter’s 87th Birthday! It’s a phenomenal reminder of her devotion to helping military caregivers. This spring she teamed up with First Lady Michelle Obama and Senator Elizabeth Dole to strengthen our country’s support to caregivers of wounded warriors and veterans. Thanks for all that you do, and Happy Birthday!

How Can Technology Help Family Caregivers?

Forbes contributor Howard Gleckman talks about the growing number of family caregivers, and how the booming tech scene might be able to help.

 

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Lotsa Tips — Get the Most out of your Community

 

Read our tips below to learn more how you can get the most out of Lotsa Helping Hands. And if you’re looking for more ideas for your Lotsa Community, head over to our How it Works Page, or contact our Member Support Center to get your questions answered!

1. Easily Switch Between Multiple Lotsa Communities! More than 30% of our Members are in more than one Community, whether it’s helping a neighbor with breast cancer or organizing volunteers in their child’s classroom at school. When joining, creating or accessing a 2nd (or 3rd, or 4th!) Community, you’ll always use the same email address and password. When you are a Member of multiple Communities, the orange ‘Sign In’ menu at the top of the page will give you the option to ‘Switch to Another Community’. Simply click this and you’ll be able to easily navigate between every Community you are participating in.

2. Organize Groups! Did you know you can organize your Community into smaller sub-groups for even easier organization? Community Leaders can use the ‘Add Groups’ and ‘Manage Groups’ links in the Administration tab to segment their helpers into smaller groups who can be contacted directly and organized to participate in select Activities. You can have a rides group or a group dedicated to delivering meals or coordinating child care. You can even turn Community Sections and Activities on or off for certain groups by editing the Permissions of each. There are so many ways to use this feature. Let us know if you need ideas.

 

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Join the Conversation on our Lotsa Blog

 

Check out the latest from our blog including stories from the people behind Lotsa and resources from our nonprofit partners. To keep up with our latest posts, subscribe to our blog.

 

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Connect with us via Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest and join the conversation! We’re always posting the latest caregiving articles, inspirational quotes and even book recommendations, quotes and stories from Lotsa members and more. Follow us to stay on top of what’s going on.

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Lotsa Helping Hands and the Lotsa Helping Hands Logo are registered trademarks of Lotsa Helping Hands, Inc.
Lotsa Helping Hands, Inc.
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Brookline, MA 02445

Caregiver Tips

Support for Caregivers and Ideas to Help

Listen and watch past webinars for more tips and features:

Caregivers Helping Loved Ones in Pain — featuring Shirley Otis-Greena

You Can Handle More Than You Think You Can — featuring Dave Balch

A Cast of Caregivers — featuring Sherri Snelling

The Perfect Match — Nonprofits and Companies doing Lotsa Good

The Sandwich Generation Juggling Act: Balancing Children, Career and Caregiving

Help on the Homefront — an informative and inspirational session dedicated to our nation’s military families

Lotsa Learning — A look at how to use our new Open Communities

Caring for a Loved One with Alzheimer’s Disease — featuring the Alzheimer’s Association

Spousal Caregiving: One Woman’s Love Story — featuring Sherri Snelling interviewing Sylvia Mackey

Resolutions for Caregivers — featuring Suzanne Mintz of the National Family Caregivers Association

Caregiving During the Holidays — featuring Sherri Snelling

A Community story from The Story Project series.

Caregiver Assistance

At Lotsa Helping Hands, we understand the importance of support. While support comes in many forms, we’ve compiled a list of organizations and resources that serve caregivers. Leaning on others for help can be difficult, but arming yourself with knowledge is power!

We hope you find these resources supportive and helpful along the caregiving journey!

Interested in being featured in our Resource Directory? Fill out this submission form today.

 

Lotsa Helping Hands Resource Directory

 

Alzheimer’s & Dementia

Bone Marrow Transplantation

Brain Injury and Tumor

Cancer

Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome

Caregiving

Community Resources

Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease

Disabilities

General Health

Huntington’s Disease

Lung Disease

Mesothelioma

Military

Multiple Sclerosis

Muscle & Neuromuscular Disease

Parenting

Parkinson’s Disease

Patient Resources

Spinal Cord Injury

Stroke

 

 

Organization Description Contact
Alzheimer’s
Association
The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease by advancing of research; enhancing care and support for all affected; and reducing the risk of dementia through promoting brain health education. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s. info@alz.org
800-272-3900
The Association for
Frontotemporal
Degeneration (AFTD)
The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD) is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to advocate for people confronting frontotemporal degeneration (FTD). Our goals are to promote public awareness, provide information, education and support to people diagnosed with FTD, and their families, educate health professionals, and support research for treatments and a cure. info@theaftd.org
866-507-7222
Blood & Marrow
Transplant Information
Network (BMT InfoNet)
Providing resource information and emotional support to patients and their loved ones before, during and after a bone marrow, stem cell or cord blood transplant.
National Bone Marrow
Transplant Link
A nonprofit organization whose mission is to help patients, caregivers, and families cope with the social and emotional challenges of bone marrow/stem cell transplant from diagnosis through survivorship by providing vital information and personalized support services. Visit the web site for information about programs and resources (publications, including the Caregivers’ Guide for Bone Marrow/Stem Cell Transplant, can also be downloaded for free). Cindy S. Goldman, MEd, LPC, NCC
cindygoldman@nbmtlink.org
248-358-1886
American Brain Tumor
Association
Founded in 1973, the American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA) was the first national nonprofit organization dedicated solely to brain tumors. For nearly 40 years, the ABTA has been providing comprehensive resources that support the complex needs of brain tumor patients and caregivers, as well as the critical funding of research in the pursuit of breakthroughs in brain tumor diagnosis, treatment and care. abtacares@abta.org
CareLine: 800-886-ABTA (2282)
BrainLine.org A multimedia project offering information and resources about preventing, treating, and living with TBI. BrainLine serves anyone whose life has been affected by TBI. That includes people with brain injury, their families, professionals in the field, and anyone else in a position to help prevent or ameliorate the toll of TBI. info@brainline.org
Children’s Brain Tumor
Foundation
Founded in 1988 by dedicated parents, physicians and friends. Children’s Brain Tumor Foundation’s mission is to improve the treatment, quality of life and the long term outlook for children with brain and spinal cord tumors through research, support, education, and advocacy to families and survivors. info@cbtf.org
866-228-4673
My Cancer Circle My Cancer Circle is a free, private support community for caregivers of people facing cancer. My Cancer Circle communities have access to all of the Lotsa Helping Hands technology features including Message Boards, a Photo Gallery, a Vital Information section for storing information and a Well Wishes wall for posting thoughts to the family. And, through the collaboration with CancerCare, My Cancer Circle provides resources for every community to benefit not only the caregiver and patient but also the volunteers who are helping. CancerCare resources include counseling services, support groups and educational workshops.
The Kidney Cancer
Association
The Kidney Cancer Association (KCA) is a charitable organization made up of patients, family members, physicians, researchers, and other health professionals globally. It is the world’s first international charity dedicated specifically to the eradication of death and suffering from renal cancers. It is also by far the largest organization of its kind, with members in more than 100 countries. We fund, promote, and collaborate with the National Cancer Institute (NCI), American Society for Clinical Oncology (ASCO), American Urological Association (AUA), and other institutions on research projects. We educate families and physicians, and serve as an advocate on behalf of patients at the state and federal levels in the United States and Globally. office@kidneycancer.org
800-850-9132
Cancer Support
Community
The Cancer Support Community provides emotional support, education and hope to anyone affected by cancer. Services are available through a network of community-based centers, hospitals, and community oncology practices and online. help@cancersupportcommunity.org
888-793-9355
Colon Cancer
Alliance (CCA)
The CCA website offers answers to the complex questions frequently asked by those affected by colon cancer including information about screening, treatment, survivor stories, and quality of life and financial issues. info@ccalliance.org
877-422-2030
Living Beyond
Breast Cancer
A comprehensive and easy to navigate website providing information and resources to women affected by breast cancer, their family members, caregivers, friends and healthcare providers. Kevin Gianotto
kevin@lbbc.org
Dana Farber
Cancer Institute
Dana-Farber’s website provides information about specialized treatment and compassionate care for adults and children with cancer, as well as the latest in cancer research breakthroughs. Carolyn Grantham
carolyn_grantham@dfci.harvard.edu
Testicular
Cancer Society
The Testicular Cancer Society is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization to raise awareness for the most common form of cancer in men age 15-35. We are dedicated to increasing awareness and education about the disease and providing support for fighters, survivors and caregivers.
4th Angel
Mentoring Program
A national, free, non-profit organization that matches patients and caregivers with trained cancer survivor/caregiver volunteers for a phone or email relationship. We strive to match based on a similar diagnosis, age range, gender, common struggles and similar interests. Jamie Kabat BSN, MSN
4thangel@ccf.org
866-520-3197
Association of
Oncology Social Work
The Association of Oncology Social Work (AOSW) is a non-profit, international organization dedicated to the enhancement of psychosocial services to people with cancer and their families. Created in 1984 by social workers interested in oncology and by existing national cancer organizations, AOSW is an expanding force of psychosocial oncology professionals.
Cancer.net The American Society of Clinical Oncology’s patient information web site, Cancer.Net, provides timely, oncologist-approved information to help patients and families make informed health care decisions. Patient Resource Helpline (does not give medical advice)
888-651-3038
contactus@cancer.net
CancerForward CancerForward: The Foundation for Cancer Survivors is a nonprofit web-based networking and educational resource for cancer survivors, their families, friends and caregivers. We’re here for survivors of all cancer types and all ages…embracing those living with, through and beyond a cancer diagnosis, along with their family members, friends and caregivers.
Chemo Care Chemocare.com is a website designed to provide the latest information about chemotherapy to patients and their families, caregivers and friends. We have approximately 1 million visitors per month!
CURE Today Curetoday.com is CURE magazine’s online destination for cancer patients, survivors and caregivers. CURE is a free publication that combines science with humanity making cancer understandable. editor@curetoday.com
CureSearch for
Children’s Cancer
An online resource for patients, families, and their support systems. The website provides up-to-date information about the various types of children’s cancer; research trials; descriptions of tests, procedures, and treatments; and information to help families manage the emotional aspects of caring for a child with cancer. info@curesearch.org
800-458-6223
Debbie’s Dream
Foundation:
Curing Stomach
Cancer (DDF)
Debbie’s Dream Foundation: Curing Stomach Cancer is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness about stomach cancer, advancing funding for research, and providing education and support internationally to patients, families, and caregivers. DDF seeks as its ultimate goal to make the cure for stomach cancer a reality.
Patient Resource
Cancer Guide
The Patient Resource Cancer Guide was created to empower and prepare newly diagnosed and newly restaged cancer patients to become their own advocates. To order a free copy, find information and resources please visit the web site. Debby Easum
deasum@patientresource.net
Sharsheret Sharsheret, Hebrew for “chain” is a national non-profit organization supporting young Jewish women and families facing breast cancer at every stage—before, during, and after diagnosis. We help women and families connect to our community in the way that feels most comfortable, taking into consideration their stage of life, diagnosis, or treatment, as well as their connection to Judaism. We also provide educational resources, offer support to those at high risk of developing breast cancer or ovarian cancer, and create programs for women and families to improve their quality of life. To learn more about Sharsheret, please visit www.sharsheret.org. 866.474.2774
The Farber Center
for Radiation
Oncology
The Farber Center represents a warm alternative to the sterile and often daunting hospital environment without compromising quality of medical care and we accept most insurance plans. Every patient gets their doctors cell phone number and email address so they have access to their doctors 24/7. Tanya Tohill-Farber
tanya@thefarbercenter.com
The Max Foundation An international nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of people with blood and rare cancers worldwide. Their helpline provides free services of advocacy, emotional support and informational referrals. Erin Schwartz
erin.schwartz@themaxfoundation.org
WhatNext Developed with participation from the American Cancer Society, WhatNext.com is an online cancer support network that instantly connects people, based on a specific diagnosis, to highly relevant peers and resources. contactus@whatnext.com
APS Foundation
of America, Inc.
The APS Foundation of America, Inc. is the leading US nonprofit health agency dedicated to bringing awareness to Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome (APS), the major cause of multiple miscarriages, thrombosis, young strokes and heart attacks.
National Family
Caregivers
Association
National Family Caregivers Association (NFCA) is the nation’s leading family caregiver organization working to improve the quality of caregivers’ lives. Addressing the common needs and concerns of all family caregivers, regardless of their loved one’s age or diagnoses, NFCA provides education, support and advocacy to build the confidence and capability of family caregivers and remove the barriers that make family caregiving so much harder than it needs to be. NFCA will always be known as the organization that put a face on family caregiving and brought it to the attention of the public. info@thefamilycaregiver.org
301-942-6430
ARCH National Respite
Network and
Resource Center
Publications, webinars, guidebooks, fact sheets and start up manuals can be accessed through the ARCH website. For family caregivers and other consumers, the ARCH website includes information on how to find, evaluate and pay for respite services through the respite locator service.
Family Caregiver
Alliance
Family Caregiver Alliance is a voice for Caregivers. Our pioneering programs — information, education, services, research and advocacy — support and sustain the important work of families nation wide caring for loved ones with chronic, disabling health conditions (including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, stroke, ALS and Traumatic Brain Injury.) Michelle Venegas
mvenegas@caregiver.org
Well Spouse
Association
We are a peer-to-peer support network for spousal caregivers. info@wellspouse.org
800-838-0879
Leeza’s Place ‘A Place for Family Caregivers’; a community gathering place and resource center committed to providing free programs to educate, empower and energize family caregivers taking care of a loved one with a memory disorder or chronic illness. Katiani Presotto
info@leezasplace.org
954-862-2218
CareNovate
Magazine
CareNoVate Magazine or CareNovateMag.com is a free social health platform that provides caregivers, sandwich generations, baby boomers & chief household officer with health, caregiving news & medication literacy insights. info@carenovate.com
American Association
of Caregiving Youth
A national resource for the support of children and teens who provide care for family members who are ill, injured, elderly or disabled. It is also a site for parents, professionals and the public to gain information to support these otherwise hidden providers of the health care system so that caregiving youth can complete their education, be healthy and become tomorrow’s productive adults. Dr. Connie Siskowski
connie@aacy.org
Caregiver’s Survival
Network
We’re an online community dedicated exclusively to the welfare of caregivers of any and all physical or mental debility. We offer a robust venue for caregivers to share experiences, find critical resources, minimize and cope with stress, and effectively combat the isolation and exhaustion of providing chronic care through a personal network of peers who are always available.
Caregivers’
Monday
Caregivers’ Monday, an initiative of the nonprofit Monday Campaigns, aims to remind caregivers that least on Mondays, they should take some time out for themselves. Cherry Dumaual
cdumaual@mondaycampaigns.org
212-991-1056
Careliving
Community
Careliving Community is an online network for caregivers of stroke survivors to connect, share stories, discuss issues and support one another. Topics range from self-care and “me” time to caregiver depression and anger. 1-800-787-6537
Caring.com Caring.com helps individuals find local eldercare resources, make better decisions, save time and money, and feel less alone — and less stressed — while caring for aging parents, spouses and other loved ones. support@caringinc.zendesk.com
Elder Decisions®, a
division of
Agreement Resources,
LLC
Elder Decisions® is a national leader in helping families resolve disputes around caregiving, living situations, trusts and estates. We provide: Mediation for families; Conflict Coaching for individuals and groups; and Training for mediators and eldercare professionals. Our partners recently published “Mom Always Liked You Best: A guide for resolving family feuds, inheritance battles & eldercare crises.” Crystal Thorpe
crystal@ElderDecisions.com
617-621-7009 x24
GiveForward GiveForward provides personalized fundraising pages and coaching that empower friends and family to answer the question “What can I do to help?” when a loved one is in need. Cate Conroy
Cate@GiveForward.com
312-322-1200
Massachusetts
Lifespan Respite
Coalition
The Massachusetts Lifespan Respite Coalition provides information and resources to any family caregiver throughout the Commonwealth regardless of age or disability of the care recipient. The mission of our organization is to promote and support access to quality respite care options that enhance the lives of individuals and families with special needs throughout the lifespan. We are currently working on a number of ongoing initiatives that includes increasing awareness of family caregivers and the need for respite, funding, training of respite workers and outreach to families and providers.
Sally Abrahms’ AARP
Caregiving Blog
Sally Abrahms is a long-time contributor to AARP with both a personal and professional interest in caregiving. She covers aging and boomers and has written for TIME, Newsweek, The New York Times, and the Huffington Post, among others.
The Caregiver Space At The Caregiver Space, you’ll find a community who understands, a safe space to share, comfort and relief. Sharing honestly with other caregivers helps us let go of guilt, stress, anger and fear. Here, we are a community that knows just what you mean.
The Community
Tool Box
The Community Tool Box is a global resource for free information on essential skills for building healthy communities. It offers more than 7,000 pages of practical guidance in creating change and improvement. toolbox@ku.edu
Creutzfeldt-Jakob
Disease Foundation
Our main purpose remains focused on offering support, information and education. The CJD Foundation is concerned about the complexity of issues surrounding this brain disease. Our philosophy is to be proactive by establishing collaborations and linkages, communicating with family members, researchers, physicians and political representatives and informing the broader community about CJD. Our support mechanism includes a national toll free HelpLine, a comprehensive pamphlet, a series of fact sheets, an informative and user friendly website, a professionally produced series of educational DVD’s and an annual conference to bring together families and researchers.
One Place for
Special Needs
Get practical information to help your child at home, school and the community. Find thousands of disability resources, programs and services. info@oneplaceforspecialneeds.com
National Health
Council
The National Health Council is the only organization of its kind that brings together all segments of the health care community to provide a united voice for the more than 133 million people with chronic diseases and disabilities and their family caregivers. Made up of more than 100 national health-related organizations, its core membership includes 50 of the nation’s leading patient advocacy groups, which control its governance. info@nhcouncil.org
202-785-3910
BrightFocus
Foundation
BrightFocus Foundation is a nonprofit organization supporting research and providing public education to help eradicate brain and eye diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease, macular degeneration, and glaucoma. We are working to save mind and sight. info@brightfocus.org
National Women’s
Health Resource
Center
The nation’s leading nonprofit health information source offers one stop for all women’s health and wellness information from heart disease and breast cancer to pregnancy, fertility, fitness and nutrition – and everything in between. info@healthywomen.org
Huntington’s Disease
Society of America
HDSA is the largest non-profit volunteer organization dedicated to improving the lives of everyone affected by Huntington’s disease through research, care, education and advocacy.
American Lung
Association
Now in its second century, the American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease. With your generous support, the American Lung Association is “Fighting for Air” through research, education and advocacy. info@lung.org
800-LUNG-USA
The Mesothelioma
Cancer Alliance
The Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance is dedicated to serving mesothelioma victims and their families.
Wounded Warrior
Project
The mission of Wounded Warrior Project is to honor and empower wounded warriors. Its purpose is to raise awareness and to enlist the public’s aid for the needs of injured service members, to help injured servicemen and women aid and assist each other, and to provide unique, direct programs and services to meet their needs. info@woundedwarriorproject.org
877-TEAM-WWP (832-6997)
Gary Sinise
Foundation
The Gary Sinise Foundation serves our Nation by honoring our defenders, veterans, first responders, their families, and those in need. They do this by creating and supporting unique programs designed to entertain, educate, inspire, strengthen, and build communities. contact@garysinisefoundation.org
Adopt A
US Soldier
Adopt A US Soldier is a non-profit organization that seeks volunteers to help show the brave men and women fighting for our freedom that their sacrifices will not go unnoticed. It connects supportive civilians with deployed troops and offers a channel by which to communicate encouragement and express gratitude to those brave men and women serving in the United States Armed Forces.
Blinded Veterans
Association
Established in 1945 by combat-blinded veterans returning from World War II and chartered by the U.S. Congress in 1958, the Blinded Veterans Association (BVA) represents and promotes the welfare of America’s blinded veterans and their families. BVA locates blinded veterans who need assistance and guides them through the rehabilitation process. Details about BVA programs are located on the organization’s website.
Disabled American
Veterans
DAV empowers veterans to lead high-quality lives with respect and dignity. It is dedicated to a single purpose: fulfilling our promises to the men and women who served. DAV does this by ensuring that veterans and their families can access the full range of benefits available to them; fighting for the interests of America’s injured heroes on Capitol Hill; and educating the public about the great sacrifices and needs of veterans transitioning back to civilian life. DAV, a non-profit organization with 1.2 million members, was founded in 1920 and chartered by the U. S. Congress in 1932. Learn more at www.dav.org.
Make the
Connection
Make the Connection provides personal video testimonials and resources to help Veterans discover ways to improve their lives. The site also provides informational resources on mental health conditions such as PTSD and depression, and symptoms of problems such as drug and alcohol abuse.
National Military
Family Association
The National Military Family Association provides families of the seven Uniformed Services with information, work to get them the benefits they deserve, and offer programs that improve their lives. info@militaryfamily.org
Operation We
Are Here
Operation We Are Here is a resource HUB for the military community and military supporters. We offer a clearinghouse of resources for the military community, practical insights in caring for the military community, the ONLY interest-based list for military supporters, and much more. The mission of Operation We Are Here is: to create an awareness of the challenges of the military community, to offer practical suggestions to churches, communities and individuals on how to support and encourage the military community, to provide a comprehensive list of resources for the military community and its supporters.
National Multiple
Sclerosis Society
The National MS Society helps people affected by MS by funding cutting-edge research, driving change through advocacy, facilitating professional education, and providing direct programs and services that help people with MS and their families move their lives forward.
Muscular Dystrophy
Association
MDA is the nonprofit health agency dedicated to curing muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases by funding worldwide research. The Association also provides comprehensive health care and support services, advocacy and education. mda@mdausa.org
800-572-1717
Parenting With
Cancer
ParentingWithCancer provides support and information for parents with cancer and the people who love them. Jen Singer
jensinger@mommasaid.net
TwinsTalk TwinsTalk is the award-winning gathering place for parents of twins and multiples with wisdom from the true “experts” in this field — parents like you! Susan Heim
susan@twinstalk.com
American Parkinson
Disease Association
APDA is the nation’s largest grassroots Parkinson’s organization. Volunteer chapters raise awareness and funds for research. I&R centers provide patient/caregiver services and physician referrals, educational materials and programs. Support groups address the needs of patients, families, the newly diagnosed, young onset, and caregivers. The APDA National Young Onset Center is the country’s only full-time center addressing the specific challenges of young people with PD. apda@apdaparkinson.org
800-223-2732
American Parkinson
Disease Association, Inc.
APDA National Young
Onset Center
The APDA National Young Onset Center focuses on developing education and support services that address the unique needs of young people with Parkinson’s disease, their family members and friends as well as their healthcare team. apda@youngparkinsons.org
1-877-223-3801
National Parkinson
Foundation
Founded in 1957, the National Parkinson Foundation (NPF) is the only organization with a singular focus of improving the quality of Parkinson’s care through research, education and outreach. Our user friendly website offers patients, caregivers and professionals the resources needed to improve the quality of Parkinson’s care. helpline@parkinson.org
1-800-4PD-INFO
1-800-473-4636
Patient Airlift
Services (PALS)
Patient Airlift Services (PALS) is a 501c3 non profit that arranges FREE Air Transportation for individuals who are in need of diagnosis, treatment, transplantation or follow up. Although our primary area of coverage is in the Northeastern U.S. we can link with or refer to similar organizations that allow for National coverage.
Christopher & Dana Reeve
Foundation
The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation is committed to funding research that develops treatments and cures for paralysis caused by spinal cord injury and other central nervous system disorders. The Foundation also vigorously works to improve the quality of life for people living with disabilities through its grants program, Paralysis Resource Center and advocacy efforts. infospecialist@ChristopherReeve.org
FacingDisability
For Families Facing
Spinal Cord Injuries
Facing Disability is a web resource with more than 1,000 videos drawn from interviews of people with spinal cord injuries, their families, caregivers and experts. Info@facingdisability.com
National Spinal Cord
Injury Association
The National Spinal Cord Injury Association (NSCIA) was founded in 1948 to improve the quality of life of all people living with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D) with active-lifestyle information, peer support and advocacy that empower individuals to achieve their highest potential. Bill Fertig
bfertig@spinalcord.org
800-962-9629
National Stroke
Association
National Stroke Association’s mission is to reduce the incidence and impact of stroke by developing compelling education and programs focused on prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and support for all impacted by stroke. The organization’s website provides a host of information, webinars, brochures, fact sheets, videos, stories and more for stroke survivors, caregivers and others affected by stroke. 1-800-STROKES
(787-6537)
Stroke-Network Stroke-Network.com is dedicated to providing pertinent and practical information on rehabilitation and recovery from a stroke. New articles uploaded daily covered all the different topics of life after stroke, from physical rehabilitation to financial planning. A special section for Caregivers provides information on simplifying daily tasks and facilitating recovery.

The Votes are Counted – Now Caregivers Need to Speak up

By: Sherri Snelling

After a long, hard battle President Obama has gained a second term as Commander in Chief.  We heard from the TV news pundits this election was a turning point in understanding the needs of a changing America.  I hope valuing family caregivers becomes part of that change.  We need to encourage the White House, Congress and all sectors of society to support those caregiving Americans who represent 80 percent of the long-term care workforce in our country – but how?

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Everyone should ask, "What is a caregiver?" so they can identify caregivers in their lives and start helping them out.
What is a Caregiver?

The word itself is simply defined. The meaning is tucked right there in the word. A “caregiver” is a giver of care. Someone who provides support, help, or aid to another who needs it. They care for a loved one, a friend, a family member, or another person when that person can’t provide specific care for himself or herself. Caregivers are a diverse group – providing a wide variety of care in a variety of situations. Let’s take a step back and ask ourselves, “what is a caregiver?” Once we identify caregivers in our own lives, we can support them in their important work.

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