Practical Caregiver Tools
Leverage Your Team
Leverage Your Team
Caregiving requires a team. This list is a way of leveraging the strengths of your friends and family when asking for their help. This benefits your loved one as well as YOU, the primary caregiver, by giving you a break so you can recharge your batteries. As the FAA rules specify, “put your own oxygen mask on first and then assist others.”
In recruiting friends to “help” or taking them up on their offers. It is better to get them involved early in the process, when help is not so specialized or demanding. You will soon find out what they can do, and you will understand their limitations as time goes on, and you will see your loved one’s response to them. (Tip from Beth N.)
Caregiving can be quite demanding. You may find this link helpful to avoid caregiver burnout.
10 Soul-Healing Tips to Avoid Caregiver Burnout | CaringBridge
Meal Prep Coordinator
Who is the person in your life who loves food and/or loves to cook?
Traffic Cop/Communication Coordinator
Who is the best communicator in your circle?
Researcher
Who is the person in your life who loves to Google info?
Respite Care Coordinator
Who is the project manager in your life who could coordinate resources to give YOU, the primary caregiver, TIME!
Tour Guide/Driver
Who in your life loves to drive and explore?
Music DJ for Playlists
Who is the person in your life who LOVES music?
Entertainer
Who is the person in your life who loves movies… Books… Games/Cards… Puzzles?
Creative for Stories/Photos
Who is the person in your life who is incredibly creative?
Handy Friend
Who is the person in your life who is qualified in construction?
Who is the person in your life who loves food and/or loves to cook?
This is the person best suited to be your Meal Prep Coordinator. All you have to do is let this person know of any food allergies or sensitivities.
This individual will handle the rest.
Who is the best communicator in your circle?
Allow this individual to take the lead on sharing updates about your loved one’s health, so you, as the primary caregiver, are not inundated with requests for information.
This person can draft emails or CaringBridge posts and run them by you for your edits. They or you can then send them out once a week.
Who is the person in your life who loves to Google info?
Tap this person to help you research:
- Elder Attorneys in your area for planning purposes
- Applying for Medicaid, if applicable/necessary
- Medical diagnoses
- Caregiving Services, for example: care.com
- Assisted Living Facilities and progressive needs
- Be sure to check out the Senior Services division for your county, and what they can provide.
Who is the project manager in your life who could coordinate resources to give YOU, the primary caregiver, TIME!
Time to run errands, grocery shop, follow-up on the myriad of medical issues, go for a walk to clear your head, or just plain relax for an hour or two a day!
Who in your life loves to drive and explore?
Ask this individual to take your loved one on scenic drives in the neighborhood or surrounding area.
This can be an incredible stimulus for those with dementia, particularly during sundowning, as well as give the primary caregiver a much needed break.
Who is the person in your life who LOVES music?
Ask them to create a playlist of songs that resonate with your loved one.
This can also be soothing during sundowning hours.
For soothing music with gorgeous environmental videography, check out www.watchcareathome.com
Who is the person in your life who loves movies… Books… Games/Cards… Puzzles?
Ask this individual to help create a list of entertainment options that match the interest of your loved one.
Perhaps this person would be willing to come and watch the movies or play cards with your loved one to give you an hour’s respite time.
When calming/serenity is needed, put: watchcareathome.com on your TV.
This has soothing music played to beautiful nature videos.
Note: A person doesn’t always need to be entertaining or active. They could simply be a person who loves to sit and hold someone’s hand, and has a calming presence.
Who is the person in your life who is incredibly creative?
Ask this person to help you create a lasting gift of memories for your loved one, particularly if they are suffering from dementia.
For example: create a booklet of favorite stories from friends and family who treasure the memory, along with a picture.
This booklet can be read to your loved one to help them remember.
A side-benefit is that caregivers get to know who your loved one was when they were vibrant and active vs. the current state health state.
Who is the person in your life who is qualified in construction?
Leverage these talents to ensure you have grab bars in the shower.
Perhaps you need a ramp made for wheelchair access.
Sometimes these services are provided by nonprofits in communities.
For example, in Albuquerque, NM, the Department of Senior Affairs RSVP (Retired & Senior Volunteer Program) which is part of AmeriCorps Seniors has volunteers to help with these services.