Caregiver Connections
A Publication For Caregivers From the Bay County Council On Aging
1116 Frankford Ave. Panama City, FL 32401 (850) 769-3468

 

Checklist For New Caregivers

Steps to take to make the job easier.

  1. Learn about the disease, condition or illness. Talk to a health care professional - ask "Is this a long or short-term situation?"  "What are the person's specific care need?"  "How will those needs change over time?"  Ask about special skills. Get more information from books, pamphlets or the Internet.
  2. Explore your options. Write down specific needs, such as meals, bathing household chores, physical therapy, and Dr.'s appts. Discuss ways to meet those needs with the person being cared for, relatives, friends and the person's Doctor. Find out if you can take time off from work under the Family Medical Leave Act.
  3. Research community resources.
  4. Plan for immediate care. Ask the person being cared for about his/her wishes around immediate care. Adapt the living environment for special needs. Consider how you will track the person's health and care needs. Keep a journal.
  5. Enlist the help of others.
  6. Organize important information.
  7. Plan for the future.
  8. Get support.
  9. Last but not least, take care of yourself.

Avoiding Isolation; Tips for All Caregivers

   Have you become isolated? If you are caring for an older, ill or disabled adult, you may have trouble keeping up with your family, friends, or other interests. It is easy to become isolated. Isolation can affect your health, add to stress levels, raise your blood pressure and hurt your immune system. Isolation can also lead to depression. just remember ask for help, even if it is hard to do. Add balance to your life. Share your feelings. Find a care giving co-op. Join a support group. Even look online for information.

Male Caregivers

   Nearly 40% of family caregivers are male. Men providing care for a spouse, parent, or other individual may face different challenges than their female counterparts. They may have to learn new skills or take on unfamiliar duties in their role as a care provider.

Know that you are not alone.

  1. Ask questions. Find out what types of care your loved one will need, both now and in the future. Get as much information as you can about your loved one's condition. Prepare all necessary documents; i.e. - insurance policies, living wills, powers of attorney.
  2. Be open to new skills. You may have to learn to shop, cook, clean or do other household tasks that are new to you. You may need to learn to bathe or dress a loved one.
  3. Ask for help (vary the caregiving responsibilities). Friends and relatives are great resources. Find out about community resources. Look online for resources and support groups.
  4. Learn to delegate (practice time management and establish a time for meditation).
  5. Take care of your own health. Exercise at least 3 times weekly. Eat healthy.
  6. Find support and male role models. It is normal to feel strong emotions such as grief, anger, and helplessness. It is not a sign of weakness to feel or express these emotions. If possible, spend time with other men who face similar challenges. This may help relieve stress. Stay involved in hobbies.

   

 

 


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