Developing a Caregiving Strategy
By the staff of Heartland Human Services
Getting started as the primary care provider for a family member can be a difficult and confusing process. Ultimately YOU will become responsible for a number of decisions that must be made in regard to your family member's care.
Some of the important things you will need to know to be effective are: what assets does your loved one have, what procedures Medicare will and will not cover, what is the extent of illness or injury, what are the chances of full or partial recovery, what services are available in your community, what support can you expect from other family members, and how will you balance care with your own work or family? There are no easy answers to these and a number of other tough questions. This is why it is essential that you be fully informed from the beginning; take time and educate yourself, plan for the future and know that you do not have to take total responsibility alone.
A great place to start the process is by simply acknowledging that your loved one needs your help. Accept that he or she has come to a point in life where poor health prohibits them from doing certain things for themselves, but remember to allow them to continue to do those things they can. Don't encourage complete dependence. Gather important documents: Birth certificates and marriage licenses, Social Security and Medicare cards, supplemental and life insurance policies, proof of retirement income, and Powers of Attorney. Communicate with your loved one's physician. Ask for information on their condition and educate yourself on the progression and prognosis. Once you are familiar with the condition, contact your local Information & Referral Specialist and inquire about the services that are designed to keep your loved one at home and accept the help. Speak with a SHIP (Senior Health Insurance Program) counselor to find out what Medicare benefits can be expected, this way you will not get caught off guard when the medical bills start coming in and it may help reduce the out-of-pocket expense you or your loved one incurs.
Once you've put together the diagnosis, prognosis, and services call the family around and share all the information you've gathered with them. Ask for their help, in fact, insist on their help. Remember, even long distance family members can be of some help. Put together a caregiving schedule and stick to it as much as possible. Allow for unexpected changes but insist on consistency. Finally, know your limitations, take a break from time to time and do something nice for yourself. You'll be better off in the long run if you maintain your physical and mental health.