Caregiver Checklist

Ten tips for providing top level care:

• Draw Out a Plan
  Sit down with a pen and paper – or a keyboard – and figure out a basic but flexible plan of action for the days, weeks, months, and even years ahead. Who will do the shopping? And when? Who will help with the Activities of Daily Living, such as dressing and eating? Who will provide respite care for the primary caregiver? What will the plan be if your parent’s condition deteriorates? Where will your parent live if skilled nursing care is needed? Tough decisions now...but even tougher if they’re made in the middle of a crisis. ICareVillage has an abundance of information and resources to help you devise a plan.
• Prepare the home.
  See the home safety checklist for ways to maximize safety and mobility.
• Communication is key.
  If you can, talk with your parents regularly about their preferences and expectations regarding their aging process.
• Become an expert.
  Learn all you can about your parent’s or loved one’s condition. Talk to doctors. Research on the internet. Use ICareVillage to gather information and support.
• Organize important papers.
  If paperwork isn’t your thing, call in a professional organizer or capable friend or family member to help you get documents in order.
• Make a medical list.
  Keep a complete list of all of your parent’s medications (including vitamins, herbal, and homeopathic remedies), doctors, hospitals, along with all past and present health conditions.
• Make an emergency contact list.
  Give copies to all family members and close friends and neighbors.
• Pull in the family.
  Keep family members involved through regular meetings (these can be phone conferences for long distance relatives) so you’re not trying to do it all on your own. Keep a list of specific ways each person can help.
• Learn proper care techniques.
  Protect your loved one and yourself by knowing the best methods for lifting, bathing, dressing, and managing medications.
• Consider hiring help.
  If you can, consider a professional home health aide. Or hire someone to help with a specific chore, such as cleaning or shopping.