Helping Caregivers Part 2 The second part to organizing help for caregivers
Helping Caregivers Part 2
Caregivers need to be able to focus on caring for their
loved ones during extended illness and terminal illnesses. In order to free up
the caregiver to give the emotional support needed helpers or friends can come
in and do some of the more mundane tasks. Here are some ideas that a helper can
do that may seem little in size, but huge in freeing up the caregiver.
Laundry – Have a
3x5 card stating the preference for soap used, temperature of the water and any
special sorting that should be done.
Cooking – Have a
3x5 card that where to put cooked meals or freezer meals. Ask them to label and
date all meals.
Answering Phones
– Have a 3x5 card that tells them when to ask the caller to return the call or
what information to take down so that calls can be returned.
Cleaning – Again
a 3x5 card telling where cleaning supplies are kept as well as rags and what
things in each room should be cleaned.
Most people who come to help know how to do these tasks, but
having a simple 3x5 card that answers the simple questions such as preference
will go a long way in giving instruction to the multitude of helpers that come
in.
These ideas are only a few to get you started. More ideas
could include what types of meals to make and what ingredients to avoid. Rooms
that should be cleaned or prepared for guests could also have their own card.
Where mops, brooms, outdoor equipment is stored are also things that could be
written down for helpers.
Ask a helper to set up a bulletin board or calendar in a
convenient location and tack up all the cards along with to do lists or needs.
This way when a helper comes in they know what things need to be done or
errands that need to be run. It will free of up the family to give their all to
their dying loved one and will give them the most of the moments together.
