Tips For Caregivers

Know The Facts About Your Loved One’s Condition

Take the time to research your loved one’s medical condition. You can offer better care with more confidence when you have more information. If you have permission, speak to doctors directly to receive the most insight.

Ask Others To Help

You might feel that the responsibility of caregiving is all yours. Give yourself an occasional break by asking other family members to pitch in. 

Keep A Care Plan

A care plan helps you keep your daily life organized. It’s also a way to make sure others provide consistent care when you’re not available. Your care plan is something you can document in a simple notebook. It doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive.

Use your care plan to monitor and track your loved one’s care, including medicine regimens and doctor appointments. Make sure to note changes in their medical and psychological condition. 

Provide Personal And Emotional Support

Paying attention to a loved one matters just as much as taking care of their physical well-being. Talk to them and listen to them.

Being a better caregiver can give you the confidence to move forward. Embrace the challenges of your new responsibility while you help your loved one.

Connect With The Caregiver Community

Find help from organizations and peer groups focused on caregiving. Share experiences with others and receive personal support. Your caregiver community can also introduce you to funding that can help you financially as a caregiver.

Contact a caregiver organization. You can find caregiver resources through Anthem.  Or, contact national organizations like the Caregiver Action Network (CAN). They provide education, peer support, and resources to caregivers across the country free of charge. Call the CAN help desk for more information at 1-855-227-3640. Another option is to look for caregiver services by state.

Join a caregiver support group. Connect with other caregivers in peer groups. Tell your personal stories and talk through your challenges. Join groups that are specific to your loved one’s health situation. You can speak with others sharing your experience in caregiving for conditions such as dementia, cancer, mental illness, and more. Go to groups locally for in-person meetings. Find online caregiver communities on Facebook and in online forums.

Caregiver Financial Resources

You have resources for financial assistance while caregiving. Your state’s government and the federal government offer programs to help you receive funding for your dedicated care.

Medicaid cash & counseling programs

If your loved one has a disability or chronic condition and is eligible for Medicaid, they could qualify for financial assistance. It can be used to pay for necessary home and community-based services and support, including your payment as a caregiver.

Veteran services

If your loved one is a veteran, they might be eligible for veteran-directed home and community-based services. The funds can be applied to paying you as a caregiver or hiring additional caregiver support.  Call the VA Caregiver Support line at 1-855-260-3274.