What’s involved in giving care?

Posted By Maryann Porosky On JULY 12,2021

Perhaps you call regularly to offer emotional support. Maybe you handle finances. Perhaps you visit weekly. Or you may live with your loved one 24/7. Caring takes many forms. You may feel this is simply what a loving daughter/son/partner would do. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t time and energy from your day. Or night, if you skimp on sleep to create time to help.

Whether you provide hands-on care or assistance from afar, you ARE a family caregiver. And that means you need to watch for burnout. Use this list to take an inventory. Consider what is realistic for you. And think about options to help manage the load: Friends, family, community programs, paid help.

Chores. Laundry, yardwork, housekeeping, repairs
Meals. Shopping, cooking, cleanup
Transportation. Errands, doctor appointments, worship, social activities
Medical advocacy. Talking with doctors, deciding on treatments
Help in a crisis. Availability on short notice. The legal right to make medical decisions if your loved one is unable to speak
Medication management. Tracking what’s been prescribed. Getting refills on time. Daily reminders to take meds
Coordinating care. Finding, hiring, supervising, and scheduling providers
Money management. Paying bills, balancing the checkbook, banking. Handling investments and real estate
Dealing with insurance. Tracking deductibles and copays. Signing up for prescription insurance, long-term care coverage, disability and veteran benefits
Legal assistance. Ensuring paperwork is attended to: A will or living trust. Durable Power of Attorney. Advance health care directive
Financial assistance. Finding programs and/or pitching in to cover expenses
Intimate care. Bathing, dressing, toileting, feeding
Emotional support. A sympathetic ear. A hug. Reassuring your relative that they are not alone

Plus the work of being constantly on the lookout for evidence of new difficulties, falls, confusion, blue mood, scammers, etc.

You are a family caregiver!

At Caring Choices, we are surprised how many people do not acknowledge their contribution as giving care. As the northern New Jersey experts in family caregiving, we know how much heart and energy you put into the tasks you perform for your loved one. Be it big or small, hands-on or far away, what you do matters! Let us help you. Give us a call at 973-627-4087.