Caregivers Resource List

One out of every 3 persons will find themselves caring for an elderly parent, spouse or relative at some point in their life. In Oklahoma, there are an estimated 400,000 informal caregivers. It's also estimated 85 percent of this population is caring for a family member.

However,  one that's not an estimate is the very real stress that weighs on informal caregivers every day. Unfortunately, this stress can manifest in unhealthy behavior that leads to neglect or even abuse of the vulnerable adult they are caring for.

In fiscal year 2007, the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) Adult Protective Services (APS) program investigated more than 17,550 referrals of alleged abuse or neglect.

To help ensure next year's numbers don't include informal caregivers or the vulnerable adults they care for, this site was created to provide resources to help make things easier for both those giving care and those receiving it.

Along with these resources, the OKDHS APS program also suggests 3 steps to make caregiving easier:

Caregiver's Resource List (All links open in new window)
Caregivers use technology Technology for long-distance caregivers
Citizen's Guide to Preventing and Reporting Elder Abuse Learn how to identify signs of elder abuse and ways you can protect yourself or a loved one
National Family Caregiver Support Program Resource Room Information from the Department of Health and Human Services Administration on Aging
Preventing Caregiver Burnout Get information on recognizing caregiver burnout
National Family Caregivers Association Free online rescource for caregivers
National Center on Elder Abuse Find information about elder abuse and resources for caregivers
Preventing Elder Abuse by Family Caregivers Get information about preventing elder abuse
Caregivers Get information tailored for caregivers
What is a Caregiver? Learn about caregiver stress and elder abuse
Preventing and Responding Get information about preventing and responding to abuse of elders in Indian Country
Domestic Abuse in Later Life Learn about domestic abuse in later life
Types of abuse Learn the types of abuse
Proceedings Read the results from the National Policy Summit on Elder Abuse
Risk Factors for  Elder Abuse Learn why some people hurt family members
Relationships Find information about abusers are related to older victims of abuse
Preventing Elder Abuse by In-Home Helpers Get information about preventing abuse by in-home helpers
2003 Survey of State Unit on Aging Elder Rights Systems Development Activities Find training information for Adult Protective Services law enforcement, legal services, providers, case managers and more
Caregiver Stress and Elder Abuse Fact sheet on dementia and caregiving
Elder Abuse Awareness Kit Resource kit for protecting older people and people with disabilities
Alzheimer's Association Oklahoma and Arkansas Chapter Learn about programs available to older Oklahomans
OKDHS Respite Care Program Learn about the program that gives caregivers a break from long and arduous caregiving duties.
Family Caregiver Alliance  Get information from the public voice for caregivers

Helpline

The Alzheimer's Association Helpline operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in 140 languages. Our staff is highly-trained and knowledgeable about all aspects of Alzheimer’s disease.

Call us if you have questions about:

• Alzheimer’s disease or memory loss, medications and treatment options, brain health and care options
• How the Association can help you 
• Caregiving tips and respite care options
• Services available in your community and referrals

You can also call us for emotional support -- as often as you need. We know that living with Alzheimer’s can be overwhelming at times. Remember, we are here for you -- all day, every day.”