CareLiving, LLC
Frequently Asked Questions
A: Caregiving means caring for others, whether friends or relatives, who have health problems or disabilities and need help. The average amount of time that caregivers spend on caregiving is about 20 hours per week. Even more time is required when the care receiver has multiple disabilities. Caring for a person with disabilities can be physically demanding, especially for older caregivers, who make up half of all caregivers. Caregivers often worry that they will not outlive the person for whom they are caring. Caregivers often suffer from depression Caregivers are also more likely to become physically ill.
A: Caregiver stress is a daily fact of life for many caregivers. Caregiving often takes a great deal of time, effort and work. Many caregivers struggle to balance caregiving with other responsibilities including full-time jobs and caring for children. Constant stress can lead to "burnout" and health problems for the caregiver. Caregivers may feel guilty, frustrated and angry from time to time. Caregivers often need help caring for an elderly or disabled care receiver. Caring for a person with Alzheimer's Disease (AD) or other kinds of dementia at home can be overwhelming. Basic activities of daily living often become hard to manage for both the care receiver and the caregiver.
A: Caregivers can call upon others for support and assistance. Other family members, friends, neighbors or caregiving agencies / services can help in a variety of ways. It may not be easy to ask for help and you may need to make specific requests. But getting help from others will benefit you and the person you are caring for. Respite care can be a good, way to get a break, (respite) ,from constant caregiving. If family or friends are not available to fill in for the primary caregiver, respite care services can provide the needed relief for short periods of time or as a continual service as required.
Q: What should I do as a caregiver if an emergency arises? A: Having an emergency plan is extremely important, especially when a substitute caregiver occasionally takes your place in the home.
The 911 number for emergencies ( medical, fire, police )
The physician's number ( emergency and office number )
The name and number of the hospital the physician / patient prefer
The number of the home health agency, if one is currently making visits to the home
The Poison Center phone number
The number for medical / oxygen supplier, if used
The caregiver phone number
Remember, observe changes of behavior and signs of illness in the care receiver. They can detect a medical problem. But, if any doubts about health arise, CALL THE DOCTOR FOR ADVICE; DO NOT PROCRASTINATE!!
Q: What is the best way to keep records and manage medications? A: Caregivers can help older people maintain medical records for use by the doctor. Arrangements can be made through the doctor's office to send previous records that could be helpful in treatment. This may require getting Releases of Medical Information signed by the care receiver.
Maintain a list of all ( prescribed and over-the-counter ) medications being used
Keep multiple doctors aware of all medications being prescribed
Use only one pharmacist to fill all prescriptions.......this can help prevent interaction problems
Develop a systematic method of dispensing medications.........there are numerous ways to control dosage and times...........a few
examples appear below:
Current Medication List
| Medication Name | Tape Pill Here | Reason for Med | Dosage | Take At: |
| Med | | | | |
| Med | | | | |
Daily Medication Set-Up
| Time of Day | Med/Dosage | Med/Dosage | Med/Dosage | Med/Dosage | Med/Dosage | Med/Dosage |
| Morning | | | | | | |
| Noon | | | | | | |
| Evening | | | | | | |
| Bed Time | | | | | | |
Pill sorters, egg cartons, condiment portion cups can all be usable organizers / tools for dispensing medications. Other helpful items include a bell timer, alarm clock, pill cutter, pill crusher, eye droppers, magnifying glass. Remember to keep all medications in cool, safe storage.
Q: What can I do to help myself?
A: Acknowledge your feelings. Your feelings have a lot to do with the way you view and cope with caregiving. All feelings are legitimate, even those that may seem disturbing to you ( including anger, frustration and sadness ). Recognizing and accepting your emotions are the first step toward resolving problems of guilt and stress. Learn to express your feelings to family members, friends or professionals. The following Caregiver Stress Test can determine how much stress you are under. Additionally, conduct your caregiving following the Caregiver's Creed. It can be found by clicking on the tab at the top of this page.
If one or more of the following are often or usually true, it may be time to begin looking for help with caring for the care receiver and help in taking care of yourself.
I find I can't get enough rest
I don't have enough time for myself
I don't have time to be with other family members beside the person I care for
I feel guilty about my situation
I don't get out much anymore
I have conflict with the person I care for
I have conflicts with other family members
I cry everyday
I worry about having enough money to make ends meet
I don't feel I have enough knowledge or experience to give care as well as I'd like
My own health is not good