Checklist for Caregivers

Caring for another person can be a difficult task. As with any difficult task, there are ways to make it easier by thorough preparation and planning. Whether it's hosting the holiday dinner for fifteen relatives or tackling a major problem at work, a check list is your best friend. As we think about the things that caregivers have to do to provide good care for their loved ones, we see elements of a check list that emerge: educate yourself about your loved one's condition; explore your options; identify community resources; create a list of people who can help; organize your important papers; make a care plan; plan for the future.  

Education  

• Talk with the doctor  
• Research the Internet  
• Learn how to provide the special care that's needed   

Explore Options  

• Review the specific things that must be done daily, weekly, monthly  
• Assign the responsibility for getting each done to someone (not all of them by you!)  

Identify Resources 

• Call the Agency on Aging in your area
• Consider hiring a care manager  
• Review the InfoLine Internet database  
• Get information on local Adult Day Centers  

Create Lists  

• List the tasks that someone other than you could do  
• Make a list of people who know the person you care for or know and/or love you  
• Look at both lists and determine who to ask for help with each task  

Organize  

• Make a list of all the doctors, laboratories, therapists and pharmacies you use  
• Make a list of all the diagnoses and allergic conditions of the person for whom you provide care  
• Create a financial file with the health insurance information, life insurance, bank information  
• Make multiple photocopies of important documents such as birth certificate, license, Social Security card, Medicare card  

Make a Care Plan  

• Ask the person you care for about his/her wishes  
• Develop a log for medications, meals, doctor visits  
• Check the household for accessibility and safety  
• Make a visitor log and ask for commitments from friends and family to make it a priority to visit at pre-scheduled intervals
• Contact disease specific organizations 

Plan for the Future  

• Know the prognosis  
• Discuss advanced directives  
• Assess finances  
• Consult with an attorney about Power of Attorney  
• Create a long term care plan