Caregiving Resources Available for West Virginians

Today, one of every six West Virginians serves as a family caregiver. In a statewide survey that AARP recently conducted, more than 70 percent of West Virginians 45+ has served, or now serves as a family caregiver. Caring for a family member or close friend is one of the most important and complicated roles anyone will every play. Caregiving is a rewarding endeavor, but it can be filled with enormous challenges. If you are caring for an aging parent or loved one, you are probably feeling the weight of the time, money and stress involved in this labor of love.

AARP recognizes the myriad of needs and challenges caregivers face and has developed a comprehensive website.  At https://www.aarp.org/caregiving; you can find everything from an explanation of legal and financial documents to tax tips for caregivers.  There are articles on how to have the conversation with your loved one about giving up the car keys, tips on what to consider when bringing an aging parent to live with you, to advice on keeping your balance as you juggle the balls of caregiving.  There are videos and webinars on a wide array of topics.  There is even an on-line forum where you can chat and safely share your questions and personal experiences with other caregivers from all walks of life.

Whether you are just beginning to anticipate a need or taking care of a family member full-time, AARP has a wealth of resources to help you with your important role.  You can get advice, checklists, and connect with others on the caregiving journey. Download our Prepare to Care Guides - developed by AARP to help make the caregiving role more manageable.  It includes information on how to have vital conversations with older family members, organize important documents, assess your loved one's needs and locate important resources.

For the nearly 300,000 West Virginians provide unpaid care for their older loved ones as family caregivers – AARP has developed a caregiver guide to resources in West Virginia.  AARP developed this family caregiver guide with you, the caregiver, in mind and as a starting point to help you find the services and support you might need throughout your journey. You can find local caregiver resources and support in the Mountain State – resources and services that can assist you with issues such as health insurance, in-home care, legal matters and more.

Is your loved one in another state? You can click on any state, Washington D.C., the Virgin Islands, or Puerto Rico to find tools and support for everything from health, legal and financial assistance to respite care in your loved one’s community - here.

To order a print copy of any of the online caregiver resource guides, call the toll-free AARP Family Caregiving Resource Line at 877-333-5885 and indicate which state(s) you would like to receive. A copy will be mailed to you.