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Quick Tips
- Make time for yourself
Set aside time regularly so you can pursue your own interests and hobbies . Caregiving is stressful. All caregivers need time away—it’s good for the caregiver and the care recipient. - Protect your own health
If you don’t take care of yourself, you won’t be able to continue to be a caregiver. See your doctor regularly, get screened for stress and depression, get plenty of rest, eat balanced meals, exercise regularly and accept help from others. You are important. - Become an educated caregiver
Attend a caregiver training class. Learn about hands-on techniques such as transferring safely, proper shin care and lifting properly. Contact Area IV for information about workshops and training events. - Learn about your care recipient’s medical condition
Speak with the physician about your care recipient’s diagnosis as well as prognosis. Ask what you can expect in the future. Spend time in the library and/or on the Internet conducting your own research. Find out all you can about your loved one’s illness or chronic condition. Knowledge will empower you to be a better caregiver. - Call Area IV Agency on Aging and Community Action Programs
Learn about in-home care options for help at home. Typical services include personal care, homemaker, home delivered meals, transportation, and emergency response system. Many caregivers hire their own workers privately or pay an agency directly to provide care. Area IV Agency can help through an evaluation to determine the level of care needed. - Learn about Out-of-Home Options
Adult day care services, assisted living facilities, residential care facilities, retirement housing and nursing home care are all options for care. Contact Area IV Agency for information on this type of out-of-home options. - Become aware of hazards
Make your home safe for your loved one. Be aware of fire hazards such as stoves, other appliances, matches, lighters and cigarettes. Watch out for loose rugs, cluttered pathways and inadequate lighting. Adjust the water heater temperature setting to prevent burns. Install bathroom grab bars and non-skid rugs. These are juts a few safe home suggestions. - Wondering where to start?
Evaluate both your short-term and long-term needs as a caregiver. Start by listing those things you might need help with now and in the future. For example, a short-term need might be to move your mother’s bed downstairs. A long-term need might be transportation to get your father to the doctor once a month. Next, make a list of all the informal supports (family members, friends and neighbors) and how each person can help. Repeat this process for formal supports such as home care agencies and transportation services. It is important to set a time frame for any action that needs to be taken. Having a plan for both formal and informal supports and implementing that plan will greatly reduce your stress as a caregiver.