Resources

CAREGIVING

Family Caregiver Alliance – Nonprofit organization that helps people caring for an elderly family member, or a family member with an adult onset brain impairment or neurological disorder. They offer a free in home consultation and in some cases, money to help the caregiver get a break and practice self care. They serve the Bay Area, but can give resources to people nationwide.

Alzheimer’s Association – Find your local chapter to get support as a caregiver of someone with Alzheimer’s and other dementias.

Area Agency on Aging Alameda County –  This is the local arm of the national aging network. Federal, state, local governments, private agencies (not for profit as well as for profit), work together to advance the social and economic health and well being of elders (60 and over) in Alameda County. The AAA provides free Information & Assistance by telephone (800-510-2020 or 510-577-3530).

VA Caregiver Support – Offers support, resources, classes and sometimes money to help you as you care for your Veteran. Find out what you and your Veteran are eligible for by calling VA’s Caregiver Support Line – 1-855-260-3274

Medicare Caregiver Resource Kit –  Offers informational resources for caregivers. The resources are designed to help caregivers address challenging issues and work effectively with Medicare to ensure their family members and friends receive the best possible care.

UCSF California Alzheimer’s Disease Center – Provides Clinical services to persons with Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementias and their families. Provides diagnostic and treatment services and community education such as caregiver training and support.

Link2Care –  Free online support group that also provides information for family caregivers in California. The resources on the site are specifically designed for those providing care for someone who is living with a disease-related dementia such as Alzheimer’s, stroke, Parkinson’s and Multiple Sclerosis.

Paid Family Leave – This is a a family leave insurance program that provides income replacement to eligible workers for family caregiving or bonding with a new child.

INFERTILITY

Resolve: The National Infertility Association –  A non-profit organization with the only established, nationwide network mandated to promote reproductive health and to ensure equal access to all family building options for men and women experiencing infertility or other reproductive disorders.

American Infertility Association – A national non-profit organization is a lifetime resource for infertility prevention, reproductive health and family building. AFA services and materials are provided free of charge to consumers and available to everyone without reservation. These services include leading-edge educational outreach events, an extensive online library with HD videos, a daily blog, a resource directory available for download on mobile devices, telephone and in-person coaching, and a toll-free support line.

American Society for Reproductive Medicine –  A nonprofit organization providing information, education, advocacy and standards in the field of reproductive medicine.

PREGNANCY & INFANT LOSS

Share –  A community for anyone who experiences the tragic death of a baby. Services include bed-side companions, phone counseling, face-to-face support group meetings, resource packets, private online communities, memorial events, training for caregivers, and so much more.

Still Standing Magazine – Online magazine about surviving child loss and infertility.

My Miscarriage Matters – Offers one on one support with a mentor for mothers and fathers of a baby lost through miscarriage, stillbirth or in early infancy.

Unspoken Grief – A community of individuals and families who have been touched directly or indirectly by miscarriage, stillbirth and neonatal loss.

PERINATAL MOOD AND ANXIETY DISORDERS (PMADs)

Postpartum Support International – Learn more about perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.

Postpartum Progress – A wealth of information about PMADs and online peer support.

Postpartum Dads – A place for dads to go to get support.

GRIEF & LOSS

Hay, L., & Kessler, D. (2014). You can heal your heart: Finding peace after a breakup, divorce, or death. Hay House.

Ross, E., & Kessler, D. (2005). On grief and grieving: Finding the meaning of grief through the five stages of loss. New York: Scribner.

Rando, T. (1988). Grieving: How to go on living when someone you love dies. Lexington, Mass.: Lexington Books.

What’s Your Grief  – A wonderful resource that addresses grief in refreshing ways.

Recover from Grief  – Offers information about the grieving process and how to cope, a free e-course on stress management related to grief and a members area to share personal stories.

Online support groups:

http://griefnet.org/
http://www.griefshare.org/
http://forums.grieving.com/