I’m a Caregiver, Now What?

Created by: Michelle Luszczewski LCSW, LCADC on

Most of us don’t think we’ll ever need to become a caregiver. At times, many of us take on a caregiver role; whether you’re the one there daily providing the care, someone over frequently to assist with the care, or out of town providing care from afar- here is some helpful information for you to gather.

  1. Feel your feelings about becoming a caregiver.
  2. Offer practical support/help with your loved one's daily tasks, errands and be a companion.
  3. Respect your loved one's boundaries. This experience is hard for you but even harder for the person who now needs a caregiver.
  4. Focus on quality of your life and the quality of your loved one's life.
  5. Consider joining a support group for caregivers. This helps build support for yourself, helps with the feelings of "am I the only one doing this or feeling this way?", helps to get and give ideas when feeling "stuck" helping your loved one with a specific task.
  6. Consider seeking professional support from a therapist if being in a support group isn't for you. The terminal diagnosis of your loved on has affected your life and it is okay that you have feelings you want to process.
  7. Ask about your loved ones wishes for their medical care.
  8. Set up appointments for hospice or caregivers in addition or in place of you providing the care.
  9. Ensure your loved one has you or someone listed as the Power of Healthcare and signs HIPPAA releases for you to be included in the care and decision making. This is especially important if the diagnosis your loved one has will affect their ability to make sound health care decisions. 10.Ensure that you know where all the important legal documents are and how to access information you may need to help make medical decisions. When the time comes, you will need to obtain a letter of incompetence in order for you to make medical decisions. This may also be needed for the Power of Attorney for finances to help provide funds to cover medical costs.
  10. Make sure you know your loved ones;
    • Full name
    • Social Security number (if you're the power of health)
    • Legal Residence
    • Date and place of birth
    • Names and addresses of spouse and children or next of kin
    • Parent’s Full Names
    • Names and phone numbers of religious or spiritual contacts
    • Names and numbers of doctors, lawyers, financial advisors
    • Current prescription information
    • Allergy information
  11. Health insurance information with policy and phone numbers
  12. Know that at times, you and your loved one will be frustrated with each other. Both of you frustrated that the other one isn't listening most likely. Remember as a caregiver it's important to remember that this is challenging for you but also so much more challenging for the person experience the need to have a caregiver and depending on the diagnosis there is difficulty for both of you to adjust to that and this new "normal". Remember to giver yourself and your loved one grace. Providing care and looking for a safe space to explore your feelings?Schedule an appointment with Michelle by calling (702) 527-8362 or by emailing evokeinsighttherapy@gmail.com