Caregiving requires a balance of medical coordination, daily living support, and strict attention to your own well-being. The most important rule of caregiving is to prioritize yourself; the best caregiver is a rested, healthy caregiver.

Protect Your Well-Being

  • Prevent Burnout: Caregiving is a marathon. Schedule regular respite breaks to step away, run errands, or simply rest.
  • Accept Support: Do not try to do it all yourself. Accept specific offers for help—like someone running errands or making a meal—or use community Respite Care Services. Consider gathering together your family members to discuss the care that may be needed. Communication issues create barriers to effective caregiving. It’s important to include the care recipient in these meetings as well.
  • Join a Community: Consider joining a support group to share experiences and reduce isolation. Take advantage of community resources for programs such as caregiver education and support groups to maximize the role of caregiving and reduce stress. Support groups are not only face to face any more, as there is a growing online community of support.

Organize & Plan

  • Draft a Family Agreement: Have a family meeting to outline who is responsible for specific medical, financial, and daily tasks. Writing these out helps set clear expectations and avoids resentment.
  • Gather Important Documents: Keep a centralized file with medical contacts, pharmacy information, a medication list, and legal documents like a living will or power of attorney.
  • Ensure Home Safety: Prevent falls by removing tripping hazards (like rugs and clutter), installing grab bars in the bathroom, and improving lighting. 

Coordinate Healthcare

  • Prepare for Appointments: Learn about and understand the diagnosis of the person for whom you care. This will help you to plan in a realistic manner. Write down your questions and concerns before doctor visits so you don’t forget details when you are exhausted.
  • Manage Medications: Use pill organizers or medication reminder apps to keep track of dosages. Inform all doctors about every medication and supplement your loved one is taking.
  • Understand Advance Directives: Use resources to guide conversations and document medical preferences if your loved one cannot speak for themselves. 

Provide Effective Day-to-Day Care

  • Encourage Independence: Support your loved one in doing what they can for themselves to build confidence. Break larger tasks down into small, achievable steps.
  • Handle Memory Loss Gently: If your loved one has dementia, speak calmly, reassure them, and avoid saying things like “Don’t you remember?” Allow them to keep as much control over their environment as possible.
  • Master Communication: Practice clear, active listening. Learn how to address challenging behaviors safely and compassionately 

There are programs and services in the community to support caregivers and to promote socialization, to include respite, senior centers, and adult day care.

Remember to take care of yourself! When caregivers take time to care for themselves, they are healthier, have more energy, and feel better.