Share the Caring: Hints for Caregivers
If you’re a caregiver who needs help or if you’re a friend who wants to provide it, use these handy checklists to help create an action plan. This checklist comes from the “Share the Caring” brochure provided by the National Family Caregivers Association, Kensington, Md., (800) 896-3650. The brochure is based on Share the Care by Cappy Caposella and Sheila Warnock, Fireside Books/Simon & Schuster, 1995. This book may be checked out from the Anne and Henry Zarrow Center for Caregiver Support, LIFE Senior Services, located at 5950 E. 31st St. in Tulsa (918) 664-9000.
| Caregiver Check List |
|
| Help I Need |
Help I Can Offer |
| A night out with friends |
Dinner and movies on me |
| A ride to doctor appointments |
A regular ride at a pre-set time |
| Someone to mow the lawn or shovel the snow |
A lawn mowed/driveway shoveled |
| Dinners prepared |
A meal prepared ___ times a week |
| Insurance forms filled out |
Help with insurance and other paperwork |
| A shoulder to cry on |
A shoulder to cry on |
| The house cleaned |
A “maid brigade” of friends ___ times a month |
| The shopping done |
Grocery shopping ___ times a month |
| Help with paying the bills |
A $ ____ check |
| A weekend away |
A pre-arranged weekend away |
| A regular home care aide |
Coordinate a volunteer team to help with specific tasks |
| Someone to ask how I am |
A weekly phone call to ask, “How are you?” |
| More information on available resources |
Research resources in the area |
| A neighbor or two I can call on in an emergency |
My availability to help out when needed and in an emergency |
| Some quiet time alone at home |
Taking the person cared for out for a few hours |
| A handyman |
A few hours of my tools and time |
| A sitter so I can go to my own appointments |
Some of my time to stay with the person who is being cared for |
| Understanding that we’re the same people we used to be, but our family’s needs have changed |
A real wish to be your friend, to stand by you, and to understand as best I can how to participate in your changed life |
| Someone to pick up prescriptions or other healthcare items |
Run errands |
| Help with car repairs |
A pick-up at the garage and an offer to be a chauffeur for a day or two |
| Other help I need: |
Other help I can offer: |
