CareGiving takes an enormous amount of time and energy. Take a moment to support yourself and connect with what makes you feel lighter on the journey. Be kind to yourself.
- Protect Your Loved Ones From Scams and Fraud – Digital Scams and Fraud are on the Rise. Helping a loved one avoid scams and fraud is challenging. See these Protective Tips in Resources, page 67.
- Make a list of all important phone #s. Be sure you keep a copy, carry it with you (on your phone), and give to others e.g. Caregiver(s), Relative(s), Neighbor(s). Put the most important numbers on speed dial.
- Make the Home Safer: Are railings for stairs and grab bars and assist devices installed? Have you removed all small rugs and runners? Are frequently used items easily available? (e.g., telephone, remote controls)
- Build a Care Team – Help provided by others can minimize stress and feelings of being overwhelmed. Build a Care Team now to help with CareGiving or in an emergency.
- An easy way to keep track of medical appointments is to keep a separate calendar where you record only medical appointments. Keep it in a prominent place such as posted on refrigerator.
- Personal Finance software can make developing and tracking a budget easier. Most programs allow you to link your bank account. There are many programs to choose from for example: Quicken, My Budget Free (Microsoft), Excel budget template.
- Keep a list of all the bank names, account numbers, and contact information. If accessing accounts online, always keep information of URLs, usernames, and passwords.
- Secure valuable items in the care recipient’s home, i.e., jewelry, passports, passwords, cash, checks, financial documents, bank statements, etc.
- When hiring a Home Health Care Aide, remember to ask questions such as: What are the backgrounds of your care providers? Do you get criminal and financial background checks? Are your employees bonded for theft and insured for liability?
- What did the Caregiver do – Have a form to fill out or a system to know at a glance what care was provided and what concerns need attention.