How to Be a Good Caregiver
It is estimated that over 45 million Americans take care of someone over the age of 18 as either an unpaid or paid caregiver. Being a caregiver requires taking on many responsibilities including financial, personal and in certain circumstances, legal obligations. It can last a few months or many years depending on the situation. There are many challenges and decisions that all caregivers share and must understand if they are to be successful. Here are some tips and advice for being a good caregiver.
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Instructions
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Familiarize yourself, especially if you are a new caregiver, with helpful resources and services in the community. There is a large support network ranging from social services to professional medical care agencies that offer programs and financial assistance to make the caregiver experience a rewarding one. Caregivers have various tasks including personal care, medication supervision, grocery shopping and meal preparation. In certain cases, when a person is considered severely disabled, then legal conservatorship can be obtained and you as the caregiver would take over the financial and banking responsibilities of the person you are caring for.
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Provide a safe home environment for the person you are caring for. Ensure that there are adequate and accessible walkways, smoke detectors and alarms, non-skid mats in the bath tub and adequate lighting. Have some type of communication system or device that the person in your care can use in case of emergencies. A portable phone or monitoring system in each room can be very useful.
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Start a log or health diary with separate sections for doctor visits, medications, questions to ask, changes in the person, medication side effects, a home care daily log and any over-the-counter medications or prescription drugs taken. Add any additional pertinent information. Take notes during all conversations with healthcare providers.
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Understand the problems and medical issues that the person in your care is diagnosed with. Visit the local library or websites for specific information pertaining to your situation. This will help build your understanding and give you confidence to talk to healthcare providers and become an even better caregiver.
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Establish a routine and schedule in order to make the person in your care more secure and know what to expect. It is also a more efficient way to use the time. Encourage the person to do as much as he or she can and ask what their needs are rather than simply taking charge and neglecting their feelings. Communication is vitally important since those with illnesses or newly diagnosed medical conditions are likely to have anxiety and fear issues.
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Establish a team of people to help you. As a caregiver it can be overwhelming and the role can become a full-time job. Having a team and supportive network will allow you to share the responsibilities and give you some freedom and space to take care of yourself as well. Taking care of yourself by enjoying your own space and hobbies is an essential part of being a good caregiver.
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Consider supplement care with community resources, for example, Meals on Wheels and adult day care. There are a lot of resources you can check out. A good starting place is social service organizations (see Resources below).
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Have a well-stocked medicine cabinet with all of the basics such as: first-aid ointment, bandages, tape, thermometer, hot and cold packs, clearly labeled prescription drugs and seven day pill sorters. Don't forget to discard any expired medications.
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Understand the health insurance coverage and policies of the person in your care. Know what and how much the plan insures, the deductibles, prescription coverage and out-of-pocket and long-term care coverage. Determine whether the coverage adequately meets the needs of the person you are caring for.
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Tips & Warnings
Take care of yourself by joining a caregiver support group.
Ask your pharmacist what types of aids and organizers are available for pills and medications. This will make it easier to stick to a schedule and ensure the medication is being taken properly.
This article is not a substitute for seeking medical attention from your own medical doctor or healthcare provider.
