[Image]A family caregiver, or simply a caregiver, is typically an adult who takes care of another person in the family, usually an elderly parent /relative or someone who is chronically ill or disabled. But not always. Sometimes, teenagers or minors become caregivers in an effort to help a loved one. Other times, people take care of friends as well.
Family Caregivers receive no compensation for their work.
Private pay or Home Care agency caregivers are not working as Family Caregivers, although they may be one for their own family or friends.
Keep in mind that the role of caregiver often begins suddenly upon diagnosis or injury of a loved one. It is quite natural for a spouse, daughter, son, grandparent, relative, parent, etc. to want to help somehow and begins to take on a variety of tasks. Once a person does this on a regular basis, has been designated or has offered to be in charge of the loved one's care, that person becomes the primary family caregiver. Being aware of and accepting that role, one is more likely to use resources and support that have been created for family caregivers.
A Family Caregiver is a spokesperson, an advocate
& a representative for his/her caree.
When a loved one cannot accurately discuss any health issues of concern with the doctor or medical staff, for example, it is the family caregiver's duty to speak on behalf of the patient. Because a caregiver spends much time with his /her caree, the caregiver can gather and share a lot of valuable information that can then be shared with the medical professionals in charge of the caree's treatment. These observations can be instrumental when the doctors are deciding on the appropriate course of action for the patient's care. For this reason, it is important to identify yourself as your loved one’s Family Caregiver at the doctor’s office and everywhere else.
Caregivers usually take on everything that their loved one does (or did), with the added visits to their healthcare professional as needed. These tasks include:
- bathing / grooming
- brushing teeth
- toileting
- dressing
- making beds
- cooking
- feeding
- giving medications
- exercising
- walking
- house cleaning
- paying bills
- grocery shopping
- errands
- doctor's visits
- healthcare visits
- diversions & meaningful activities
- social visits
- health or life insurance shopping & paperwork
- Social Security paperwork when needed
- other Human Resources paperwork [401k, tax withholding...] as needed
- finding doctors as health changes
- finding Home Health [medical services provided by Nurses, Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, including medication management and administration]
- finding Home Care [non-medical assistance, such as bathing, dressing, companionship, meal preparation, transportation to social/ medical outings…]
- finding medical supplies as needed
- finding mobility or assistive equipment as needed
- finding transportation as needed
- deciding if caree needs to move to different living accommodations - usually done as a family
- providing companionship & emotional support for caree
- discussing or selecting Medical Advance Directives with caree or family
- discussing or designating a Medical Power of Attorney with caree
- discussing or finding someone to draw a Will or a Trust for caree
- discussing or designating a Durable Power of Attorney with caree [for non-medical and financial issues]
- discussing Estate Planning with caree or family
- learning early on about and considering hospice when the time is right
- learn about funeral arrangements, costs, requirements, and new options that honor your loved one's End-of-Life wishes
- finding someone to do taxes for caree
- finding support groups as needed
- finding financial help as needed, if qualified
These responsibilities don't all need to be done at once! The most important things are safety and medical issues, which can be learned in a short time. You take one day at a time and adjust your plan in order to find one that works well for caregiver and caree. Keep in mind that the care recipient may not feel up to tackling a lot of these tasks in one go, especially if s/he is not feeling well. Use your judgment and do only what is manageable. While I wouldn't procrastinate on the urgent items, there is always tomorrow to get the less important things done.
Remember that caregivers also need to find a way to manage their newly acquired responsibilities. It is imperative that they:
- schedule short breaks daily; longer ones when possible
- take care of themselves physically, emotionally, mentally
- use time management to organize tasks; optimize time to include wellness & relaxation
- learn what they can about the condition & treatment
- set realistic expectations by accepting what is possible and what is not
- remember that we are human; use emotions to remind us to check how we are doing
- utilize help & support that are available locally and online: support groups, caregiver respite, adult day centers, assistance programs for medications, helplines from disease-based organizations, etc.
- create a Care Team to help with care: doctors, medical professionals, family, friends
- accept help with tasks from family, friends, neighbors - caregiving encompasses a multitude of tasks that are usually done by several people
- be kind to yourself!
Find the resources you need to make your caregiving more manageable. Reach out when you need help. It is the smart and sensible thing to do!
Caregiver Checklists
Checklists, Assessments & Forms
Next Step in Care provides practical advice and easy-to-use guides for both health care providers and family caregivers that focus on transitions between hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, nursing homes, and home.
Just like family caregivers rise to the occasion when a loved one needs care, so must our needs be elevated and voiced so that they can be addressed and resolved.
Let us stand up and be counted as family caregivers! It is time to stop being “invisible” and be valued for our observations, derived from countless hours of care provided (often at a financial or personal cost). Let this be our call to action to step forward, respectfully assert our role on the care team, and gain appreciation from family and professionals.
Caregiving Cafe is always ready to support all Family Caregivers, so please contact us sooner than later:
Lynn Greenblatt: ccafemail2@gmail.com
Dura Sims: 830-837-3162
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