(I've mentioned this publication a few times. This is from an email sent to the local support group in August '07. I assume this info is still current. I checked the first link to the Red Cross Store and found that it's still active.)


The Red Cross revised in March '07 its Family Caregiving reference guide. Here's a description:

Be Red Cross Ready Safety Series Vol. 1: Family Caregiving
Part #RC653975

Family Caregiving is a quick reference guide with a companion DVD to assist individuals to care for an elderly or chronically ill loved one, learn basic caregiving skills and how to reduce stress and balance the demands of work and home. The 128-page, full-color, spiral-bound book is tabbed to allow quick and easy access to critical information, and includes charts for recording vital signs and medications, as well as a tri-fold Emergency Contact Card to keep with a loved one in case of an emergency. Plus, the 1 hour and 49 minute DVD will help caregivers master skills such as positioning and transferring a loved one by watching healthcare experts in action. ... Topics included in the guide:

Home safety;
Caregiving skills;
Body mechanics;
Personal care;
Healthy eating;
Caring for the caregiver;
Legal and financial issues;
Dementia; and
Caregiving resources.

Currently, the guide (which includes the DVD) is on-sale from the RedCrossStore.org for $21. You can order it from this web page:
https://www.redcrossstore.org/Shopper/P ... cationId=0

Apparently in some parts of the US and California, the Red Cross teaches caregiving classes. I was told by the Red Cross of Northern California that there is insufficient demand to hold classes in this area. Here's some general information about these classes: http://www.redcross.org/services/hss/care/family.html

You can find other caregiving books and resources from Red Cross' publisher by going to their website -- www.shopstaywell.com -- and entering in "caregiving" in the keyword search box in the upper right. Other than the reference guide, associated DVD, and associated video, the other print materials come in packages of ten (suitable for caregiving classes). Note that the price of the reference guide on shopstaywell.com is $24.95. And remember that the guide includes a copy of the DVD.

One excerpt from the DVD mentioned above is here:

http://www.redcross.org/flash/staywell/ChairBed.html

This *very* short video from the Red Cross gives instructions on how to help with bed-to-wheelchair transfers.

And another excerpt from the DVD is here:

http://www.redcross.org/flash/staywell/Dementia.html

This is a *very* short clip from the Red Cross on talking with someone who is in a different reality than you.

For me, the video and audio were not in synch. Your mileage may vary.