Caregiving Basics

Topics: General The Caregiving Process Communication Decision Making Getting Organized Private Care Managers General Caregivers Journal Some tips for setting up a notebook to keep track of your caregiving situation. Caregiving Guidelines  Whatever the specifics of your situation, there are some important basic guidlines to remember when you provide care for a loved one. Return to Top The Caregiving Process Caregiving Basics What is a caregiver? What does a caregiver do? Here are some things to think about as you begin your own caregiving process. Chronic or Ongoing Care How can you improve the quality of care you provide? What changes (if any) need to be made? Here are some guidelines for evaluating your role in the ongoing care process. End-of-Life Caregiving Here are some issues and approaches worth considering in an end-of-life caregiving situation. Planning For Tomorrow Once you’ve addressed your loved one’s immediate needs, both you and the person you care for need to think about planning for the future. The Caregiving Process Caregiving is a process that evolves over time. Understanding and anticipating changing situations will help you be a better caregiver. Return to Top Communication Accepting The Diagnosis If your loved one has been diagnosed with a chronic or terminal illness, here are some strategies that may help you, your loved one, and other friends and family members adjust to the new situation. Better Family Communications The better family members can communicate with each other, the better they can deal with hard times and difficult decisions. Communications Skills Learning to communicate effectively with your loved one is a key to maintaining a good caregiving relationship. Good Listening Skills Learning to communicate effectively with your loved one is often simply a matter of learning to listen. Here are eight tips that can help you be a better listener. Talking To The Sight Or Hearing Impaired Suggestions that may help you and your loved one communicate more effectively. Return to Top Decision Making Caregiving Decision Questionaire A brief list of questions to help you set prioities and solve caregiving problems. Making Caregiving Decisions Here’s a process to make those tough decisions easier. Needs Assessment Worksheet This worksheet will help you and other family members determine what types of assistance your loved one needs. Return to Top Getting Organized Caregiver’s Document Organizer A form that will help you identify, locate, and organize the important documents your will need as a primary caregiver. Organizing Household Records Tips to help your organize your loved one’s important papers—and your own. Personal Records A form to help you keep track of your loved one’s personal records and other important information. Sample Filing System Listed below is one possible method for setting up a home filing system. You should adopt a system that fits your needs and those of your family. Storing Important Documents Some information to consider when you purchase a safe deposit box or home safe in which to store legal documents and other important papers. Your Valuable Records A form to help you keep track of all of your family’s valuable records. Return to Top Private Care Managers Geriatric Care Managers Geriatric care managers are trained professionals who can help you with every aspect of the caregiving process. Return to Top