Caring for a family member or friend is not easy and is not something most of us are prepared to do. It often comes with new responsibilities and unfamiliar tasks that can seem overwhelming at times.
Knowing and understanding your loved one’s values and wishes is important. Encourage your loved one to complete an advanced directive. An advanced directive enable patients to write down their preferences on a legal form and appoint someone to speak for them if they are no longer able to verbally communicate.
Download Advanced DirectiveGetting and staying organized. Organization can help you care for your loved one or friend and maximize the amount of quality time you can spend together. Making lists of important information helps to keep you organized and useful in case of an emergency.
Taking care of yourself. The life of a caregiver is often affected in every way possible, from the physical to the emotional to the spiritual. Self-care is key to providing consistent quality care for others who may need you and your on-going support.
Acknowledge when you need assistance and remember you’re not alone. Your “Circle of Care” Team at Community Hospice is here to support you in your role as a caregiver. We understand many of your challenges with caregiving, and our goal is to support you and your loved one every step of the way.
Resources:
Eldercare locator: http://www.eldercare.gov/Eldercare.NET/Public/Index.aspx
AARP: http://www.aarp.org/home-family/caregiving/planning-and-resources/
National Alliance for Caregiving: http://www.caregiving.org
VA Caregiver Support: http://www.caregiver.va.gov/support/support_services.asp