Physical exhaustion, declining health, or limitations that hinder the ability to provide adequate care are key indicators. Emotional and mental strain, feeling overwhelmed, and a significant decline in personal well-being are signs that it may be time to reconsider the caregiving role.
In addition to information about the disease/disability your loved one is dealing with, you need to understand his or her medications and medical interventions. (See FCA Fact Sheet Caregivers Guide to Medications and Aging.)
Many caregivers expressed the importance of having opportunities for respite care, allowing them to take breaks and recharge. Whether it's through professional respite care services or support from friends and family, having time for self-care is essential for maintaining overall well-being and preventing burnout.
Top 10 Caregiver Do's and Don'ts Don't make Assumptions. Do Ask. Don't Expect every day to be the same. Do go with the flow. Don't get to the point of burnout. Do Take breaks and respite. Don't withhold care. Do Communicate.
To keep everyone involved in caregiving informed, it may be useful to compile a notebook with details about the care recipient's medical care, social services, contact numbers, financial information, and other pertinent details.
Such caregivers should avoid any role in the client's financial or legal matters unless specifically directed to do so. Activities that are prohibited include: The custody of the client's bank accounts or investments. And you are literally signing the legal paperwork for this person.
Isolation poses severe risks for mental and emotional well-being. Loneliness is a common experience for elderly people without family or friends nearby. Without companionship or daily engagement, they may struggle with motivation, leading to poor self-care habits such as neglecting exercise, nutrition, or hygiene.
To be eligible for the PHC program, Texas residents must be 21+ years old and require assistance to perform at least one of the activities of daily living, such as bathing, grooming, eating, or toileting. Their functional limitation must result from a medical condition and must be documented by a medical professional.
What to Include in a Checklist for Caregivers Name of caregiver on duty. Date the checklist is being used. Name of patients. Patient's morning, afternoon, and evening routines, such as: Taking medication and vital signs. Eating food and drinking water. Housekeeping tasks to do. Changes in patient's condition, if any.
If you are looking for long-term care services, and want to know your options Call 2-1-1, the hotline service for people looking to get help and find the services they need. Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs) can help you find and apply for long-term care programs for seniors and people with disabilities.