Although it may be difficult to imagine the need to become a caregiver for a loved one, advance planning will make the transition easier, if the perceived need arises. While caregiving is most often associated with the elderly, examples of what a family might face also include a mother's deteriorating health, a father's slow recovery from a heart attack, a grown son paralyzed in a car accident, or a daughter with developmental disabilities.
With such scenarios in mind, Washington's Department of Social and Health Services has compiled a brief bunch of tips on how families can prepare for caregiving and share responsibilities:
A good start is a family meeting to help everyone understand the loved one's situation and needs. Regular family discussions, that include relatives who live elsewhere, can help anticipate problems, schedule caregiving responsibilities and just keep everyone informed.
In the course of giving care on a daily basis, relatives and others may ask what they can do to help. A caregiver who is prepared with a "tasks to do" list can offer helpful suggestions such as cooking a meal, doing laundry or driving the person to a medical appointment.
Get a hold of a caregiver kit by calling 1-800-422-3263.
Seek out local services that support unpaid and other informal caregivers by calling your local Area Agency on Aging to find out more information about the Family Caregiver Support Program. Call 1-800-422-3263 for the number of the program located in your community.
Online resources filled with useful health and caregiving links may be found at www.adsa.dshs.wa.gov.
The Eldercare Locator Web site has information on how to find the nearest Area Agency on Aging along with a wide variety of community services to support older adults. Call toll free 1-800-677-1116 or visit www.aoa.gov for more information
Hundreds of programs exist to help seniors today, and The National Council on the Aging has created a web site to help you find these programs: www.benefitscheckup.org.
Also, check out these library books: "How to Care for Aging Parents" by Virginia Morris and "Caring for Yourself While Caring for Others - A Caregiver's Survival & Renewal Guide" by Lawrence M. Brammer, Ph.D. and Marian L. Bingea.
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