Ten Practical Tips for Caregivers

1. Learn as much about your loved one's medical condition and physical needs as you can. Family caregivers are an integral part of the health care team. If you have questions and concerns about medical issues, medications, or a change in your loved one's symptoms, please contact his or her physician or a member of the home health or hospice team.

2. Prepare the home environment for safety and comfort. Make sure you know where the emergency numbers are, and where the fire extinguishers are located. Make an escape plan. Have enough emergency supplies, medication, oxygen, and water on hand for 72 hours.

3. Consult with members of the health care team on special products that might improve safety and function, such as walkers, canes, wheelchairs, a raised toilet seat, grab bars, handrails, night light, hospital bed, over-bed table for eating, etc.

4. Use correct procedures to make care safer and easier. Be sure to learn and use proper lifting and moving techniques in order to protect your back from injury. Ask your health care team for information about 'body mechanics.'

5. Caregiving can mean a major change in your life. Don't be afraid to acknowledge how tough it can be to be a primary caregiver for a loved one. Know that you're doing your best.

6. Learn to manage stress. Take time each day for 'mini-breaks.' Go out for coffee. Call a friend. Exercise. Try to get enough sleep so that you feel rested. Eat healthily.

7. Ask your employer if you are covered under the federal law, "The Family and Medical Leave Act" (FMLA). If so, you may be able to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave per year, to care for a seriously ill spouse, child, or parent.

8. Obtaining help from a distance can be a challenge. If you are caring for a loved one from a different state or area, the resources listed below may be helpful. Call or check on-line to see what supportive long-distance caregiving resources are available. Consider calling a hospice or home care agency for a consult visit. Ask your loved ones physicians office to help identify local resources like Wheels on Meals, Volunteer Chore Ministries, supportive faith communities and community organizations.

9. Put together a care plan. If possible, work with your ill loved one to establish goals and priorities for care. What is important to him or her? Try to integrate events and activities you both enjoy into the weeks schedule. Prepare information and questions for medical appointments. Ask health care professionals for their feedback in creating/modifying the plan. Prepare a medication list of meds, times, doses, and reasons for each medication. Purchase a med-e-set to organize daily and weekly meds.

10. Say 'yes' to offers of help. Allow friends and family to help out when they can. Check with your doctor or insurance company about what kinds of professional home health or hospice help might be available.

Helpful resources.

For general information on serious illness and available supportive programs, go to www.consolingcommunities.com.