Novartis understands that being a caregiver can be both rewarding and challenging. If you are a caregiver, then the organizations below can provide you with the support and information you need. Visit their Web sites for a variety of resources, including how to get patient authorization to discuss their health with their doctors; providing care at home; options for outside care; and other important topics.
- The National Family Caregivers Association
The National Family Caregivers Association (NFCA) educates, supports, empowers, and speaks up for the more than 65 million Americans who care for loved ones with a chronic illness or disability or the frailties of old age. NFCA reaches across the boundaries of diagnoses, relationships, and life stages to help transform family caregivers' lives by removing barriers to health and well-being.
- Family Caregiver Alliance
Founded in 1977, Family Caregiver Alliance (FCA) was the first community-based nonprofit organization in the country to address the needs of families and friends providing long-term care at home. Long recognized as a pioneer in health services, FCA now offers programs at national, state, and local levels to support and sustain caregivers.
- The National Women's Health Information Center
The National Women's Health Information Center is a resource for women sponsored by the federal government. This link is to a page on the Web site with frequently asked questions about caregiver stress.
- FamilyDoctor.org - Caregiver Resources
www.FamilyDoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/common/cancer/caregivers/719.html
FamilyDoctor.org is a Web site sponsored by the American Academy of Family Physicians that provides information on a variety of health topics. This link is to a page on the Web site discussing caregiving.
- American Association of Retired Persons (AARP)
www.aarp.org/relationships/caregiving
AARP is a social welfare organization dedicated to helping improve the lives of people age 50 or older. The group offers a comprehensive, online Caregiving Resource Center that helps people navigate the world of caregiving. It includes a toolkit filled with tips and ideas on how best to care for the person you care about.
- Medicare
Medicare is government-sponsored insurance for people age 65 or older, as well as younger people with certain disabilities. The program's Web site includes support resources for caregivers, highlighting a variety of topics including billing, navigating Medicare, support groups, and care options.
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) provides global leadership for a research, training, and education program to promote the prevention and treatment of heart, lung, and blood diseases and enhance the health of all individuals so that they can live longer and more fulfilling lives.
- Care to Care Program
Care to Care is a mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's caregiver program provided by Novartis and committed to improving the caregiver experience. The program was created by working closely with caregivers who have shared their knowledge to help others who are providing care to a loved one with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's. The information and tools are available to learn from, and serve as a way to pass along knowledge to someone else.
