National Family Caregivers Month, celebrated each November, is a time to recognize and honor family caregivers across the country. Caring for a loved one who is elderly or dependent on assistance is an important responsibility, but it can often feel overwhelming. Your local library is here to help!
Allegheny County libraries have partnered with the Department of Human Services (DHS) Area Agency on Aging (AAA) Caregiver Resource Committee to circulate caregiver backpacks. These backpacks are designed to provide caregivers with a variety of resources relevant to taking care of loved ones at home, including books, DVDs, and pamphlets for local services.
Backpacks contain:
- Still Alice (2015 film)
- Who Says Men Don’t Care? A Man’s Guide To Balanced And Guilt-free Caregiving, by James V. Gambone, Ph.D and Rhonda W. Travland, M.S.
- The Emotional Survival Guide For Caregivers: Looking After Yourself And Your Family While Helping An Aging Parent, by Barry J. Jacobs, PsyD.
- The Essential Guide To Caring For Aging Parents, by Dr. Linda Rhodes
- Finding Your Way: A Practical Guide For Family Caregivers, by Dr. Linda Rhodes
- Financial Steps For Caregivers: What You Need To Know About Protecting Your Money And Retirement, by WISER, Women’s Institute for a Secure Retirement (2014)
- And more informational resources!
ACLA libraries have more than 30 caregiver backpacks available for check-out at locations across the county. Caregiver backpacks can be checked out for three weeks. Put a hold on a caregiver backpack using the online library catalog or by calling your local library.
For more resources on caregiving for adults, visit the Area Agency on Aging’s Caregiver Resources page.
