One day you may need to care for your parents, spouse or aging loved one  – but that day always seems so far away. However, it may come sooner than you think. Preparation is the key to reducing the toll caregiving brings to your work, health and family.

The first thing you need to do is acknowledge that you ARE a caregiver. While that may seem obvious, many people who perform caregiving roles do not acknowledge that they are caregivers and, as a result, do not ask for help.

If you are not yet a caregiver, have discussions with your loved ones about their wishes for care if they become too ill to care for themselves. Be sure to include your other family members as well. Refer to the End-of-Life Care Planning section of this website for some helpful ideas to start discussions.

Caring for an aging loved one is often a family decision that can involve considerable time. Weigh factors like who has the most time, who has a positive emotional attitude, who lives the closest and who is best able to assist with potential situations like administering medication and bathing.


Tips for Preparing to Be a Caregiver
Studies show that 83 percent of people would prefer to stay in their own homes rather that go to assisted living or institutional settings. Consider hiring a geriatric care manager to assess your loved one's ability to remain at home safely and independently.

You will also want to explore and identify other agencies that that can provide in-home assistance such as medical care, provided by home health care services and private pay agencies that can provide caregivers for longer periods of time, even 24-hours-a-day if necessary.

Learn about your loved one's disease or condition and go to doctor's appointments with them. The more you know about what to expect, the better prepared you will be to ask the doctor important questions and plan for appropriate care.

As a caregiver, you will save yourself a lot of time and confusion by having some information at your fingertips:

• Doctors' names and phone numbers
• Medical insurance cards and hospital preference
• Medical history and medicines being taken
• Social Security number
• Military service records, if applicable
• Name/contact information of their nearest friend/neighbor

Be aware of the potential financial burden that being a caregiver may bring as Medicare will not cover personal care needs.

Create a resource list for future needs:

• Assisted living facilities
• Nursing homes
• Home care agency of preference (see how to choose a home care agency)
  
• Home delivered meals
• Area Agencies on Aging
• Support groups for specific illnesses
• Personal emergency response systems (devices that allow your loved one to press a button on a transmitter that automatically dials for help and alerts you to their need or to dispatch EMS.)
• Other high-tech gadgets like electronic medication reminders and home sensors that allow you to check on your loved one.

Caregivers frequently can experiences stress, burnout and poor health. Be sure to take care of yourself by eating foods that nourish you and exercising, even if it is for a few minutes each day. Plan time for relaxation and activities you enjoy. You will be a better caregiver in the long run.

Last, recognize that being a caregiver, while rewarding, can be a very difficult job.  Be patient with your loved one and yourself as both of you adjust to the reversal of roles.


Additional Information
National Family Caregiver Support Program
http://www.agingcarefl.org/caregiver/NationalSupport
This site has a tip sheet, financial tips, and information on taking care of yourself.