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| CVFCA>Frequently Asked Questions | TEXT SIZER: Bigger | Smaller |
Here is a list of the most frequently asked questions we get at the CVFCA.
Click any of the questions below to get more details.
Q: Mom is changing and isn't acting quite right. What do I do?
Q: We've been to the doctor and her health is fine. She still is having problems. Now what?
Q: The doctors have made a diagnosis – where do I turn for help? What resources are available to me?
Q: How do I get help for me? I am really struggling with all this.
Q: Legal issues, where do I turn for answer about Power of Attorney, Living Will, Guardianship?
Q: How can the Chippewa Valley Family Caregiving Alliance (CVFCA) help me?
Q: Where can I find more information about the CVFCA?
Q: Mom is changing and isn't acting quite right. What do I do?
A: While the changes in your mom could be due to one of several things, the first thing to check is her medical health. A simple doctor's appointment should be made to rule out any physical or systemic problems. For example, infections in the system can cause short-term changes in behavior and/or memory.
Q: We've been to the doctor and her health is fine. She still is having problems. Now what?
A: The changes you’re seeing may be due to emotional issues. Have there been any significant changes in her life? A loss of a loved one, relocation into a different living facility, isolation, etc. may be possible causes of changes in behavior. If you are comfortable, feel free to talk with her and ask her if there is anything going on and if there is anything you can do to help. If she is not able to explain what is going on, it may be appropriate to schedule an appointment with a psychologist or psychiatrist as depression is a cause of reversible memory impairing problems.
Q: The doctors have made a diagnosis – where do I turn for help? What resources are available to me?
A: Look to your county’s Aging and Disability Resource Center/Office on Aging. They have immense resources and can assist you in finding and figuring out benefits and community programs available for you.
Q: How do I get help for me? I am really struggling with all this.
A: Congratulations! Recognizing the importance of taking care of yourself is the first step to surviving the emotional and/or physical challenges of being a caregiver. Rest assured that by reaching out, you are enabling yourself to be the best caregiver possible. However, you can’t do it alone. Support groups are an essential tool available to share experiences, find solutions to problems and just plain vent. Each community will vary in the amount of support groups available; however you may begin your search by contacting disease specific organizations, hospitals and churches.
Q: Legal issues, where do I turn for answer about Power of Attorney, Living Will, Guardianship?
A: Power of Attorney and Living Will documentation may be completed either with or without an Attorney. If you choose to complete the documents on your own, you may find resources at local office supply stores as well as physician offices. If you decide to seek Legal counsel prior to the completion of any paperwork, look for an Attorney with experience in “Elder law”. You may also find good resources and recommendations for Attorney’s through your local Aging and Disability Center/Office on Aging.
Q: How can the Chippewa Valley Family Caregiving Alliance (CVFCA) help me?
A: The CVFCA is a group of individual caregivers and professionals dedicated to the needs of caregivers. We have firsthand knowledge of the daily challenges, heartbreaks and joys that go along with this role. We are there to offer education, community support, community resources and advocacy on your behalf. Most importantly, we are there to understand what you need and to find a way to meet that need. Please feel free to contact us by sending us a message via our Contact Us page. This will take you to a form where you can submit a question, comment or need. A member of the alliance will contact you shortly after receipt of this e-mail to see how we can help.
Q: Where can I find more information about the CVFCA?
A: Please send us a message via our Contact Us page and we'll send you more information as soon as we can.