Caregiving and managing medical care
Caregiving can get complicated quickly. You may be faced with multiple medical issues, making health care appointments, dealing with potential hospitalization or working with a detailed home health care plan. Not to mention learning how to communicate well with health care providers.
Organizing medicine
It’s not unusual for patients who require caregiving to be taking multiple medications. It may help to stay organized and keep detailed notes in a medical binder (or an important document binder).
Day-to-day medication management can include:
- Keeping track of how to take medications correctly
- Getting prescriptions filled
- Understanding how medications are covered by insurance
Some resources that might help with this aspect of caregiving:
Prescription drugs introduction
Managing visits to health care providers
As a caregiver, you may need to make health care appointments and possibly attend these appointments with the loved one you’re caring for. In either situation, organization of medical records and other information — such as prescriptions and other provider visits — is key.
Try using these resources to help manage medical appointments and keep information in one place:
Understanding other caregiving options
Caring for your loved one on your own is likely not your only option, and it may not be sustainable for the long haul. Depending on your loved one’s condition and prognosis, you may need to look into other options. These resources can help you get a sense of what’s available.
All about in-home caregiving
If you have a loved one who needs in-home health care — now or possibly in the future — it’s helpful to learn all about the different caregiving options available. Knowing how to navigate the responsibilities and benefits of this role can help you make informed decisions for you and your loved one.
Help with hospice care
Planning and thinking about end-of-life care is never easy, but being informed on the process can help ease the burden. Learn about what hospice care is, how it’s different from other types of care and what to know when making plans for a loved one.
Caregiving considerations for specific health conditions
There are many different caregiving situations, and a lot can depend on the health condition of the person you’re caring for. If you’re a caregiver for a person with cancer, you may look for a support group that’s focused just on cancer needs. Here are some resources that focus on common questions and concerns based on different health conditions.
Caregiving for someone with Alzheimer’s disease
Caregiving for someone with Alzheimer’s comes with unique challenges and things to consider. Learn more about Alzheimer’s disease, what to expect and how to find help as a caregiver for someone with living with this condition.
Cancer, cardiopulmonary and disability caregiving
Whatever chronic condition your loved one is facing, the role of a caregiver can be a complicated yet rewarding experience. As a caregiver, you may face a long road ahead. Learn about finding support strategies and caregiving tools for these conditions.