The Family Caregiver’s Manual () von David Levy

Complete, step-by-step guide offering problem-solving and coping skills applicable to every caregiver’s unique circumstances.

Table of Contents

Preface

1. Today’s Family Caregiver: Are You a Family Caregiver?

2. Why Planning Counts

3. Positive Attitude = Success
Overcoming Guilt and Resentment
Letting Go
You as a Caregiver
Benefitting from a Support Group

4. Building a Successful Plan

5.Why Document?
What Can You Learn?
Does Everyone Need Legal Documents?
Get It Organized

6. Critical Information: The Lists
The Caregiver’s List
The List for the Person Needing Care Now or in the Future

7. Thinking about “What If . . . ?”
Overcoming Objections
When You Are Already Giving Care
What Can You Do?
Getting Things in Order
Starting the Discussion about Care Needs
Knowing When Care Is Needed
You Are Planning, So What Else?
Planning for Financial Needs
Putting Care into Place
Crises
What You Need to Know in an Emergency

8. Practical Problem Solving
Addressing Medical and Health Needs
Questions to Ask the Doctor
Overall Housing and Care Needs
Security/Safety Condition Check
Hiring a Paid Caregiver
Fundamentals of Hiring and Managing In-Home Care Services
Using In-Home Care from a Home Healthcare Agency Complaints
Your Role When Someone Else Gives Care
Advocate for a Person Living Away from Home

9. Someone Else Deserves Care—You
Rate Your Caregiver Stress
Your Plan for Stress Reduction

10. Understanding Continuum of Care
How Much Care Is Needed?

11. Write Your Plan/Make It Work
Sample Narrative and Plan

12. Additional Resources

Appendix: The Family Caregiver Questionnaire