Caring for someone else can and will involve all the management skills you can muster. Depending on your loved one’s needs, you might be managing a variety of things from medications to bathing, to transportation. The more organized you are, the easier it will be to perform these tasks. Organization will give you a sense of control and help you to provide the best care possible. Here are some tips for managing the day-to-day tasks of caregiving:
Write things down. Keep a small notebook where you can jot important information or ideas as they occur. These can be to-do lists, phone numbers, medication names – anything important that you need to remember.
Use a calendar. Keep a calendar on your desk or by your phone for recording dates, appointments, or tasks to do on different days.
Organize paperwork. No one likes paperwork, right? You’d be surprised to find how much paperwork is involved with caregiving. Take control. Devise a system (a file cabinet, a shoe box, anything!) where you can label and file the paperwork for future reference.
Look for help. Getting others to help – delegating tasks to friends and family, for instance – is a great way to get things done. There are tasks that others can easily accomplish and there are some tasks that other people may enjoy or fulfill better.
Don’t be afraid to say “no.” As your tasks and chores begin to escalate, you may find yourself agreeing to things that are beyond your capabilities or desires. Try to remember that you don’t have to do everything. Determine the necessity of any given task and if it isn’t necessary, you may want to let it go for a while. If it’s necessary but beyond your means, ask others to help fill in the gaps.
And remember, there are people who do want to help but are waiting to hear from you what you need.
Dani Kebschull is the program coordinator for the Kenai Peninsula Family Caregiver Support Program.
