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Caregiving can be daunting, and more so if you have never done it before. These tips on when and how to begin caregiving for a loved one, from the National Institute on Aging, can help. Once you decide to start the caregiving process, LifePath’s Resource Consultants will listen to your unique situation and present options that fit your and your loved one’s needs. Call 413-773-5555 or email info@lifepathma.org to learn more.

Does an older adult in your life need help?

It is not always clear whether an aging parent or relative needs help. Sometimes a person will recognize that they need help and request it, or an emergency or sudden illness will make it clear. Others may not want to cause worry or admit they’re struggling.

If you become aware of the signs that a loved one needs help, you will be better prepared to provide support for their safety and well-being.

How to tell if someone needs extra support.

The best way to know what someone needs is to ask them directly. But a phone call, email, or text message is not always the best way to tell whether an older person needs help. These signs may indicate that someone needs extra support:

1. Changes at home.

   When you spend time at the person’s home, you might notice possible trouble spots. Some examples include: 

   1. Can the person prepare meals on a stove safely?
   2. Are they bathing regularly and wearing appropriate clothing for the weather?
   3. Is the home relatively clean and free of clutter?
   4. Do they have the medications they need, and are they taking them regularly?

2. Mental health concerns. Changes in a person’s mood could indicate a need for help. Sometimes depression in older people is confused with normal aging. An older person with depression might brighten up for a phone call or short visit, but it’s harder to hide serious mood problems during an extended visit. Seek immediate help if the person says they feel hopeless or have no reason to live, or if you’re worried they may harm themselves. Call or text the 24-hour 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or call 800-273-TALK (800-273-8255). For TTY, use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988.

3. Other health concerns. Signs related to the person’s general health that can raise concerns include:

   1. Significant weight gain or weight loss
   2. Poor hygiene
   3. Confusion
   4. Falls
   5. Loneliness or social isolation
   6. Trouble walking or getting around

4. Memory issues. Occasional forgetfulness is a normal part of aging. But more significant memory problems, changes in thinking ability or personality, or poor decision-making could indicate a serious condition that requires medical attention.

What does caregiving involve?

Caregiving involves helping another person with everyday activities and tasks. Many caregivers are family members, friends, or neighbors. The kinds of activities that a caregiver may assist with include:

• Personal care, such as dressing, bathing, grooming, using the toilet, and brushing teeth
• Household tasks, such as shopping, laundry, and cleaning
• Preparing food, feeding, and monitoring dietary restrictions
• Health care, including talking to doctors, coordinating medical appointments, and keeping track of medications
• Transportation, such as car rides to appointments
• Financial and legal matters, such as paying bills and organizing important documents

New to caregiving? Here’s what to do first.

Caregiving can be overwhelming, especially at the beginning. Try to tackle one task at a time. The following offers some ways to get started.

Find out as much as you can about the person’s medical situation.

• Learn about the person’s health and any treatments they are receiving. Knowing the details of their situation can help you understand what is going on, anticipate how an illness might change or worsen over time, and manage the person’s health care. It can also make talking with the person’s doctors easier and reduce the likelihood of a medical crisis.

• The older person may be hesitant to share their health information. They may not want to worry you, or they may not want others to know how serious their health issues have become. Approach these conversations sensitively and explain why you’re asking questions about their health.

• If the person isn’t comfortable talking about it themselves, they may be willing for you to talk with their health care provider instead. By law, you will need written permission to receive medical information about the person unless they are with you in person and able to give consent. The health care provider’s office can explain the process and provide the necessary forms.

Determine where to get help

• Consider asking family members and friends to share caregiving tasks.
• Call LifePath at 413-773-5555 or email info@lifepathma.org to speak to a Resource Consultant, who will listen to your unique situation and present options that can help you.

How can you help with caregiving when you live far away?

Many people live far away from their family or friends who need help. If you don’t live nearby, you can still provide support and assistance as a long-distance caregiver. These are a few ways to begin:

• Ask the person receiving care and the primary caregiver, if there is one, how you can be most helpful.

• Talk to people you know who are long-distance caregivers to see if they have suggestions about ways to help.

• Find out more about available resources in the older person’s community. For suggestions, search the Eldercare Locator or call 800-677-1116.

• Develop a good understanding of the person’s health issues and other care needs.

• Offer to provide occasional respite care to give the primary caregiver a break.

• When you visit, look for tasks that need to be done and can be taken care of from a distance.

LifePath can help support you and your loved one on your caregiving journey. Call us at 413-773-5555 or email info@lifepathma.org.