Successful caregiving starts with identifying yourself as a caregiver. By acknowledging
that you’ve taken on this important and demanding new role, you begin
taking charge
of your caregiving situation.
Next Step
Learn how to handle the intense emotions caregiving often brings.
Learn more
Whether you’ve become a caregiver suddenly and unexpectedly or you’ve some time to prepare,
laying a stable groundwork will make future challenges much more manageable. Here’s how to
prepare:
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Start talking with your loved one about his or her wishes for future
treatment and care. Discuss the situation with your family and reach an understanding
about what each member can do to help.
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Build your care team. Reach out to friends and neighbors. Have
conversations about what you might need in the future.
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Gather records. Find and collect in one place all of your loved
one’s financial records, as well as any legal documents such as powers of attorneys
and advance directives.
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Start educating yourself about your loved one’s condition,
Medicare and Medicaid,
available community resources, and other relevant concerns. For links to local
programs, contact your local Area Agency on Aging by searching our
government agency listings.
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Familiarize yourself with local services such as home care providers,
geriatric care managers, adult day care programs, and other service providers you
might eventually call upon. Start by searching our listings of
facilities and services.
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Create a list of emergency contacts with all of your contact
information, as well as that of doctors, services, neighbors, friends, and family
who are involved in your loved one’s care. Keep copies prominently displayed at home
and at work.
Content shown was developed in collaboration between AGIS and National Family Caregivers Association.
