Caring for a family member with a medical condition or disability is both rewarding and complex. The National Alliance for Caregiving (NAC) emphasizes planning, safety, self-care, legal and financial preparedness, and the use of available services to protect both the care recipient and the caregiver.
Below are some practical steps you can take to support your loved ones and bring some clarity during a difficult season.
1. Understand the medical needs and get trained
Know your loved one’s diagnosis, medications, treatments, warning signs, and the skills needed for daily care. Examples include feeding, mobility, wound care, and medication management. It’s important to receive training from clinicians or local programs so you can provide safe, consistent care.
2. Create a written care plan and organize documents
A clear care plan should summarize medical conditions, medications, appointments, emergency contacts, and daily routines. It should also include essential legal and financial documents—such as power of attorney, insurance, and benefits information—so informed decisions can be made quickly when needed.
3. Make the home safe and accessible
Assess and modify the living space to reduce potential injuries and barriers by adding grab-bars, ramps, clear pathways, and assistive devices. Home modifications can lower injury risk and help your loved one remain independent longer, while also helping you provide care more effectively.
4. Build a support team and find rest
Caregiving should be a team effort. Your support network may include family, friends, health professionals, and community services such as home health, transportation, and respite programs. Coordinate and clearly communicate each person’s role so nothing falls through the cracks. Remember to make time to rest—while caregiving is rewarding, it is also demanding, and self-care is essential.
5. Guard your own health—mental, physical, and financial
Research shows that caregivers face higher levels of stress, health risks, and financial strain. Stay current on your own health screenings, sleep, and nutrition. Consider counseling or support groups, and plan financially for caregiving costs or reduced work time. Protecting your health and well-being enables you to care for your loved ones more effectively and sustainably.
Putting it all together can feel overwhelming—but we can help you build a practical, step-by-step care plan so that you can become the care manager, not the caregiver. This includes assessing insurance needs, financial planning, estate planning, checklists, home-safety recommendations, lists of local support and respite options, and a simple family-care schedule. Schedule a call with us today so we can help you create a plan that can help you in this season of life.
Michael Wallin, Certified Financial Planner ™. For more information, please see www.panthrex.com or call 615-236-2220.
