Online tool for caregivers

Home Instead Senior Care has launched an online tool to help family caregivers determine whether they are at risk of adverse health effects associated with caring for a senior loved one.

Nearly one-third of Butte County’s adults are family caregivers potentially at risk of heart disease, diabetes, depression and other physical and mental issues prompted by the pressure of caring for a loved one, according to a Home Instead Senior Care press release. Nathan Vail, owner of the local Home Instead offices, said many are unaware of the “potential risk of caregiver distress because they don’t see themselves as caregivers.”

Home Instead operates in Chico, Oroville and Paradise and can be reached at 895-6100. Go to www.familycaregiverstressrelief.com to use the self-assessment tools—the Are You a Caregiver quiz and the Family Caregiver Distress Assessment.