Tips For Family Caregivers

Do you help care for an aging spouse, parent or other loved one?  According to the most recent surveys, at least 22 million adults provide care  that is critical in helping older people remain in their homes.  It is estimated that 80 percent of all care received by older Americans is provided by family members just like you.  You are not alone.

2. Talk with others!  Join a support group in your local area. It’s a great time to talk with others who are caregivers, to share problems, solutions and concerns.  Have a close friend that you can talk to. 

3. Get some training!  Attend a caregiver training class. You’ll learn the proper methods of hands-on care and all about legal and financial issues.  Contact the Area Agency on Aging nearest you.

4. Be flexible!  If your job and caregiving responsibilities conflict, talk to your boss about flextime or other ways to rearrange your schedule to allow time for your caregiving duties.  Try to let go of some activities or duties.

5. Become informed!  Talk to a professional health care worker about your loved one’s illness or disease.  This may sound like a simple step but knowledge and information will empower you to be a better caregiver.   Your local library has computers available to the public for accessing the internet. 

6. Take a break!  Use Respite Care services.  These services will allow you to take regular breaks, conduct business and provide time for yourself. A good place to start is to contact your Area Agency on Aging.

7. Call your Area Agency on Aging!  Learn about In-Home Care options for help at home. Typical services include personal care, homemaker, meals on wheels, transportation, emergency response system and hospice.  Many caregivers hire their own workers privately or pay an agency directly to provide the care. Your loved one can receive help with bathing, dressing, feeding, toileting and light housekeeping. Your nearest Area Agency on Aging can evaluate your older relative’s situation and determine the level of care needed.  Your family member might be eligible for some services offered by the Area Agency on Aging to older persons with limited incomes. These services are also available on a private pay basis.

8. Learn about Out of Home Options!   Adult Day Care Services, Assisted Living Facilities, Residential Care Facilities, Retirement Housing, Continuum Care Retirement Facilities and Nursing Home Care, all are options for care.  Your local Area Agency on Aging can explain these options to you. 

9. 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 just a few safe home suggestions. Call your local AAA for brochures and other information on how to make your home safe for your loved one.

10.  Wondering where to start?  Evaluate in writing both your short term and long term needs as a caregiver.  Start first by listing those things you might need help with now and in the future.  Next list 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 community 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 reduce your stress as a caregiver. 

Although caregiving can be very difficult and stressful, it can also be very rewarding.  A great deal of pleasure can come from knowing that, because of you, your family member is able to live with dignity and as independently as possible.