ORGANIZING TIPS FOR A
CAREGIVER
As a caregiver, it is a constant challenge to keep balanced
and organized. Of course, the best way to
get organized is to have a plan of action BEFORE a crisis occurs. However, if you become a caregiver unexpectedly, these lists and tips from the Michigan Chapter of the National Association of Professional Organizers will help your family prioritize what needs to be done.
In either situation, involve your loved one as much as possible, carefully considering his or her input.
Access to Documents:
·
Medical: medical directives, DNRs, Health Care
Power of Attorney, Living Wills, disability/health/dental/long term care/life
insurance, contact information for all doctors, detailed information regarding
prescriptions.
·
Personal:
will, birth/marriage/divorce certificates, driver’s license, organ
donation, military record, passport/visa, Durable Power of Attorney.
·
Financial: banking, deeds, loans and bills,
investments.
·
Final wishes regarding funeral arrangements/wake,
music, passages to be read, officiate.
Family Meetings/Updates:
·
Share this opportunity with others to give back.
Family members, friends, church family, etc. can do something to help Grandpa,
or you (prepare a meal, laundry, errands.)
Say “yes please!” to assistance – everyone will benefit.
·
Identify action items, and assign each task a
level of importance. Set priorities
first, taking care of less important details later.
·
Discuss what needs to be done, by whom, how
often and for how long, how it will be paid for, and at what location.
·
Embrace the theme of simplification regarding
physical space, schedules, obligations and responsibilities to make way for new
and evolving circumstances.
Comfort:
· Remember your personal needs. You will need to refuel, gain perspective,
and work through any number of frustrations.
Know your limits and respect them.
· Lean on the healing power of relationships and
emotional support. Family nights,
outings, visits from friends, activities, phone calls, or conversation can take
both your minds off illness temporarily.
· Utilize online tools: from caregiver calendars,
lists and charts to support groups.
· Give everyone a generous learning curve,
including you and the patient. Work hard
to let go of perfection and hyper-vigilance in things that don’t really
matter. What really matters in this
chapter of your life, and perhaps the last chapter of your loved one, is love.
Written by Jennifer Asselin, Professional Organizer with Living Arrangements Professional Organizing.
For additional information on getting organized, please
visit www.NapoMichigan.com.