Setting Expectations for Your Role as a

Your caregiver quest doesn't come with a manual, so here are some examples of tasks you can anticipate in your new role:

• Help with finances such as paying bills, credit cards, managing rent and utilities or care home fees • Buy groceries, clothes and toiletries • Arrange medical appointments and provide transportation to and from • Be a companion or arrange for companion care • Help cook and clean • Assist with pet care • Ensure legal documents such as wills, trusts, guardianships, power of attorney are addressed • Keep other family members apprised • Make hard medical decisions

PREPARING FOR THE ROLE

It can be easy to become overwhelmed and stressed when taking on this role for the first time. Here are some tips that can help you and the person you’re caring for feel more at ease.

HAVE A CONVERSATION about you becoming their official caregiver and establish responsibilities and boundaries

BE SURE to have all physicians’ information on hand and establish yourself as the primary caregiver for the person. You may need to have them sign paperwork allowing you to see their health information under HIPAA or have a medical power of attorney document

MAKE A LIST of all medications they’re taking as well as allergies and hospitalizations in the last 10 years

SPEAK to them about how their financial obligations will be resolved

TALK about where they want to live out their remaining years

ASK if possible to be added to their bank account which will allow you to easily pay bills

BE SURE to determine whether they have a power of attorney or other legalities in place

FIND SUPPORT for both yourself and your loved one as neither of you are alone in this process

CREATE a catalog of experts that you’ve interacted with. You never know whose expertise you might rely on in the future Ways to Cope

• Taking care of yourself • Seeking mental health assistance when needed • Getting enough sleep • Building a strong support system • Drinking plenty of water • Exercising • Eating clean

SETTING EXPECTATIONS

It’s important to take care of yourself. Being a caregiver can easily take over your life if you’re not mindful. While you want to be there for your senior loved one, you also need to be there for yourself.

When you’re struggling, seek help. When you’re unable to do something, it’s okay to say no.

When you take care of your mental and physical self, you’re better able to care for your loved one.

We are here with additional

resources as needed. Remember, you are not alone as it takes a great deal of strength to be a caregiver.

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU NEED A BREAK

Reviewing Your Respite Options

There are several different types of respite care you can look into, each serving various purposes depending on the needs of your aging, disabled or sick loved one. But, in choosing your respite plan, it’s essential to think of your own requirements along with the needs of the person in your care. Respite care also makes sure you are properly taken care of so that you can continue with the great work you’re doing for your loved one.

IN-HOME RESPITE CARE

In-home respite care is when you enlist someone to replace you as the provider of your aging loved one in the home. If the person in your care is especially fragile and traveling would be both unhealthy for them and additional stress for you, in-home care is going to be the best option. In-home respite care can come from several sources, including:

• Trusted volunteers, like family members, friends, coworkers or members of your local church or nonprofit. • Professional care providers from a company that specializes in traveling or short-term care. • Trained staff that are available for short-term visits from one of your local care homes.

• Skilled health care services from a medical facility that enables highly trained staff to provide short-term care. • Homemaker services from a company specializing in preparing meals, cleaning and running errands.

The great thing about in-home respite care is that it’s quite flexible. You could use these services for a weeklong vacation or just for some needed help for a few hours or throughout one day. Respite care doesn’t always mean you have to do a 180° and book a flight to Bora Bora. Sometimes, you just need some help in the home while you take the time to catch up on your to-do list, spend time in the garden, or kick your heels up in the comfort of your living room.

OUT-OF-HOME RESPITE CARE

Out-of-home respite care is when you take your aging loved one out of the home and into a different space for care. Out-of-home care may be overwhelming for some people, but for others, it’s a way to add excitement, new experiences and the chance to meet others. Out-of-home care can be:

• Specialized residential centers like group care homes, hospitals and skilled nursing facilities. • Adult day cares, which are developed specifically for adult seniors who need care. • Respite retreats and camps, which are fun getaways for you and your aging loved one that promotes healing and revitalization.

DiveDeeper

Discover why respite care is especially important for caregivers of a loved one with memory issues as well as typical costs in the full article, visit srgtexas.com/getcaregivertoolkit