Web site assists caregivers

On the Web: www.caringroad.com

    You are about to begin the most important job you’ll ever have. You’ll be on call 24 hours a day. At times you’ll make life and death decisions, even though you have no training and no experience.
    That’s what it means to be a family caregiver — the reality facing more than 50 million Americans.
    New Jersey resident Karen Mintz’s father was suddenly afflicted with a mysterious illness that ultimately left him mentally and physically incapacitated.
    Karen and her family watched helplessly as his condition deteriorated. For three years, he was bedridden and required round-the-clock care until his death in 1999. She wasn’t prepared for the critical care decisions she had to make regarding her father’s declining health. And she wasn’t prepared for the stress and isolation that accompanied her role.
    Karen created the CaringRoad Support Network to help other housebound caregivers who are also struggling with the same problems.
    Utilizing the Internet to its highest advantage, CaringRoad brings family caregivers together in an online community to help them face the biggest challenge of their lifetime — caring for and, sometimes, saying goodbye to a loved one.
    “Long-term home care means round-the-clock attention and it’s not always possible to leave home and participate in a support group. So it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and alone,” said Karen. “Now caregivers across the country can meet other caregivers who understand and empathize with how difficult it is to sustain this role.”
    At CaringRoad caregivers can join the Support Network and search for other family caregivers based on:
    • Type of illness.
    • Relationship to the care recipient.
    • Geographic location.
    This innovative feature allows family caregivers to address the issues that are most important for them. Based on their priorities, CaringRoad’s unique database generates a list of other family caregivers in similar situations to:
    • Discuss how to cope with the same or a similar illness.
    • Share caregiving experiences and advice.
    • Meet in their area or start a supportive friendship online.
    On the Web: www.caringroad.com