How to be a good caregiver

1- ASK QUESTIONS You have to understand his/her needs to give your loved one the best care. Take time to talk. Find out what he/she wants you to do for him/her. Don't insist your opinion is best. You can offer ideas, but listen to them. Show that you have heard by repeating back key points. 2- CREATE A SCHEDULE This gives him/her structure. Set times for meals, personal care, bedtime time, wake time,etc. 3- GET ORGANIZED In one place put prescriptions, insurance information, doctor contacts and health history. In in a folder, computer or smartphone, keep track of appointments. 4- KEEP TRACK OF MEDICINES For easy access, store all medications in one place. To keep it organized by day and night, use a pill box. 5- SIMPLY MEALS To plan ahead, do all the week's grocery shopping in one trip. If possible, cook a big batch of meals and freeze them. Adapt meals to your love one's taste, calorie and dietary needs. 6- MAKE THE HOME SAFE To help prevent shower and tub slips, install grab bars and handrails. To lighten bathroom trips, add lights along hallways and stairways. Pick up clutter. Secure rugs with tape. So your loved one does not have to stretch or climb, store often-used items within reach. To alert you, buy a fall monitor. 7- ASK FOR ADVICE Get help from a nurse, therapist or a geriatic care doctor. 8- ENCOURAGE SELF-CARE Don't let your love one's age, illness or disability take a toll on his/her self-esteem. Let them take as active a part as possible in their own care. 9- PREPARE FOR EMERGENCIES Ask the doctor what symptoms to watch for. What do you do if that happens. Keep a list of emergency names and numbers next to each phone in the home. WebMD