6. Prepare a list of questions for your doctor. Discuss long-term prognosis, symptoms you need to be aware of, other existing medical conditions that may affect the health of your loved one, medicine protocol, non-medical treatments and current medical research, if any, that may offer better treatment options.
5. Health Insurance. Familiarize yourself with the details of your loved one’s medical insurance. Determine what services are covered and not covered. Find out the long-term needs of your loved one and make sure his or her current medical plan will meet those needs.
4. Build a support group. This can include friends, family, medical personnel and spiritual advisors. Most communities have organized support groups for specific diseases that will enable you to connect with other caregivers. If your time is limited, take advantage of online communities that will allow you to connect with others who share similar caregiving issues and challenges.
3. Know your rights and your loved one’s rights. This will be helpful as your caregiving duties move from care partner to caregiver and short-term to long-term. Whether it’s a disability, family leave, or elder rights, become knowledgeable so you are empowered to speak up for you and your loved one.
2. Focus on quality of life. Caregiving can be very trying at times so be sure to keep a positive attitude and sense of humor. Plan some activities for both of you to participate in together. This allows for you to connect with each other outside of the caregiving role.
1. Take care of yourself. Caring for yourself is as important, if not more so, than caring for your loved one. Eat healthy, get plenty of rest, and make it a point to exercise. But most importantly, don’t stop living! Although your life has changed, you still have one. Preserving as much of your life as it was before the diagnosis will enhance the overall quality of life for you and your loved one.
For more info on how to make Caregiver’s lives easier, click here.