If you have just realized that you may become responsible for caring for a loved one, what should you think of first? Below are some tips to consider for anyone at the initial stage of caregiving.
You have a growing concern that in the near future your relative will need more and more of your assistance and time. You’re concerned because of your relative’s past and present medical condition, current living conditions, or age.
Ask questions of your care recipient. Ask questions of health care professionals. Ask questions of lawyers, financial planners, and social workers.
You expect to become a caregiver; this is your time to prepare. Research options, gather information, and provide the opportunity for your care recipient to share his or her feelings and values.
Some Steps You Can Take
Consult with a good lawyer familiar with disability or eldercare issues. Find out about durable powers of attorney for health care and living wills; start the process to ensure that the necessary legal papers are in order.
Determine financial situations. Knowing financial status can help determine future health care choices. Determine monthly income from pensions and social security; learn about annuities, stock investments, and bank accounts.
Investigate community health care options. What home health care agencies in your area offer quality, affordable home care? What housing options are available: retirement communities, assisted living centers? Contact community organizations to request brochures and pamphlets.In addition, consider your relative’s current living condition. Will she be able to reside sacofely in her home if she uses a wheelchair? Becomes bed bound? What changes can you make today that will prevent future barriers to providing care in her home? Or, are the necessary changes almost an impossibility? If so, what other options do you have: your home, an assisted living facility, a retirement community?
Determine the current health care providers. Who are the physicians, what is the diagnosis? In addition, learn about medications and why the medications have been prescribed
Concentrate on the reality of the situation. Keep a realistic view of their situation: What’s the worst that could happen? What’s the best possible outcome? Then, determine what options are available for each of these outcomes.
Talk with your relative about his or her wishes. Asking questions now about your relative’s care preferences will help you provide the care your relative wants. Does your relative have a preference as to whom in the family provides care? Where does your relative want to die? At home? At a care facility? What type of funeral would your relative want? How does your relative feel about end-of-life care decisions? Although you may not be able to meet all your relative’s wishes, you can begin to plan now to meet at least the most important.
Start a journal. Write about your feelings, concerns and actions. You may be feelings loss. Your preparation of the future allows you to see what your care recipient and you might lose. You both will experience changes in your relationship, your schedules, your amount of freedom. Write down your thoughts about the potential losses, and how you might be able to hang on to them, through minor adjustments and changes, for a little longer.
Source: The National Alliance for Caregiving and Family Caregiving 101
