The SCAN Foundation

Caregiving is a tricky business. Family members and friends who lend a hand in providing long-term services and supports enter a stress-filled world, where their own health may become at risk because of the burden of being a caregiver. The federal government is providing new resources for those already enrolled as caregivers, and others who may assume the role, according to a May 26, 2010 announcement by the federal government. These new resources include videos for researchers and policymakers that provide insight into the demands on caregivers as they deliver long-term services and supports.

For caregivers themselves, the videos help them little by little into a strange and stressful new world. The first video deals with “planning for a discharge, including questions to ask hospital staff and preparations to make before loved ones leave the hospital to ensure a successful and stress-free transition,” according to the explanation from the federal government’s Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The second video titled, “Tips for a Hospital-to-Home Transition,” provides “guidance on working with health care providers, preparing the home for new equipment needs, and planning for additional expenses.” In addition, Medicare also has a special section on its website with “targeted information, decision-making resources, and support tools,” for caregivers.