ShAARP Session: Observations from AARP

Results tagged “family caregiving” from ShAARP Session

When a tragedy occurs, people often come together to grieve and support one another. When the Murray family of Chevy Chase, MD lost both a daughter and mother on June 26, due to an accident caused by a tree branch falling on their minivan, the community responded with acts of full-fledged warmth and sustenance.

After consoling, Sara Knoll, friend of the family's, along with others, set up an online "support system" where more than 400 people have enlisted to offer aid to father, Sean Murray and his five daughters.

The response to the site has been so great that it has ensured that the family's home needs will be met through December 23. The website, Lotsa Helping Hands, makes it simple to reach out to locals in need by creating an online community with a calendar and announcements for organizing.

If you want more ideas on how to help in your community, visit Create the Good's site to find "do it yourself" organizer toolkits to jump-start your plans.

Got a great "do it yourself" way to make a difference in your community? Tell us about it here.

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Across the country, longer life-spans are leading to more and more adult-children caring for their parents. Family caregiving can be a demanding and stressful component of life, but it is increasingly becoming the norm. Despite the pressures of having to balance caregiving with work and other family concerns, there may be an underlying benefit in looking after loved ones. A new study contradicts previous research that said that caregiving reduced lifespan. This new information seems to show that people who look after family actually live longer than those who don't. Just one more good reason to look after family when you're needed.

New research paints a grim picture for adults who provide care for their parents. The combined stress from a job, caring for children and also your parents can eventually carry over and negatively impact quality of life. Caregivers often see health consequences in their own lives as a result of the time they dedicate to caring for their parents. Good news though, having a spouse and a higher education seems to reduce stress levels. You can also visit aarp.org for caregiving tips.