Home Health Care Resources Caregiving Caring For A Loved One

With the rising 65+ population comes a need for more caregivers, and that's where you come in. You've recently taken on the responsibility of caring for a loved one, and chances are you're asking yourself "What now?" Plus, the thought of being on call 24/7 may have you worried. You're not alone. We're here to help you transition smoothly into your new role.

Use this checklist2 to make sure you have the information you need for the person receiving care:

• Favorite activities and topics to learn about (to help you better plan their day)

• Medical conditions

• Healthcare provider for each medical condition

• Medicamentos

• Things that help manage their condition (resting, exercising)

• Signs and symptoms to look out for when their condition starts to flare up

• Health insurance provider

• Preferred hospital

• Emergency contacts

In addition, you'll want to find out if the person you're caring for has discussed the following with their health care provider and can give you a copy2:

• Advanced Directive or Living Will: This is a legal document (not a medical order), to appoint someone as your legal representative and provides instructions about how you wish to be treated and cared for at the end of your life. Because it is not a medical order, it is not used to help doctors, emergency medical technicians, or hospitals treat you in an emergency.2

• Power of Attorney: This legal document is used for you to give a specific person the ability to make decisions for you when you are unable to do so. It can be a spouse, adult child, family member or friend. You can also name an alternate person in case something happens to the primary person you name. The power of attorney is usually part of the Advanced Directive, but is sometimes a separate document. Sometimes, depending on where you live, it is called a "medical (or healthcare) power of attorney," "medical proxy," or "healthcare agent."2

• Physician (or Medical) Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST or MOLST) or Physician Orders for Scope of Treatment (POST): This document, which varies by state, is a medical order signed by a medical professional and used for treatment. It is generally used when a person is nearing the end of life, such as with a terminal or serious illness. This is a document that your doctor can discuss with you during your Advanced Care Planning discussion. This does not name a "surrogate" or "medical proxy." This document would be used together with the Living Will/Advanced Directive to guide your loved ones and your doctors in the event that you are unable to make your own decisions.2

Each caregiving situation is different, but having all of these important aspects of your patient's life on file will help make your job easier.