Caregivers
Caregiving is one of the most difficult jobs anyone could ever do. Whether you are caring for a spouse, parent, other family member, or friend, don't be afraid to ask for help. Asking for help is a good way of taking care of both your loved one and yourself.
If you are exhausted from caregiving, you may have health complications of your own and cannot adequately care for someone else. Arrange for days off and respite care. Be sure to attend to your own health needs. Do your best to get enough sleep and make time for leisure activities; you will be better able to care for your loved one if you feel rested and cared for, too. See Resources for links and phone numbers for local agencies that can help.
For more information on Caregiving in Ventura County, contact our Family Caregiver Support Specialist at 805-477-7300.
Figuring out the Medicare and Long-Term Care needs of loved ones on top of other demands of caregiving can be overwhelming, but being proactive can prevent problems and crises down the line. Call HICAP at 1-800-434-0222 and set up a one-on-one appointment with a counselor to discuss the unique situation and choices available to you and your loved one.
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How can I help my loved ones with their Medicare?
Making sure your loved ones have the most comprehensive coverage that fits their needs and their budget is very important. Verifying that the person for whom you are caring has coverage for needed medicines and medical care ahead of time will make your job easier in the long run. Sorting through Medicare options can be confusing and time consuming on your own. Call HICAP at 1-800-434-0222 and set up a one-on-one appointment with a counselor to discuss the unique situation and choices available to your loved one. For more details, see our pages on Medicare.
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How can I help my loved ones with their potential Long-Term Care needs?
Most people would like to stay in their own homes as long as possible, and their loved ones often hope to facilitate that. Sometimes, however, a person's medical needs become such that staying at home is no longer an option. It is often better to have a plan in advance if 24-hour a day skilled care is needed, rather than to make decisions under the stress of a crisis. Families often have more options if they plan ahead as well.
Be aware that it is common for patients to be released to a rehabilitation facility post-hospitalization. If you bring them home prematurely and their care needs are more than you can handle, you cannot re-admit them directly to skilled nursing and have insurance cover the costs without another hospital stay warranting it. Before checking your loved one out of such a facility, there are many things to consider such as:
- Does your loved one require 24-hour a day care?
- Are you able to lift them safely and repeatedly if needed?
- What type of care can your loved ones afford and for how long?
- Can you afford in-home help?
- Do you have back up assistance in the event in-home help is unavailable?
- Is the patient's condition likely to improve?
Rehabilitation can provide an opportunity for a patient to heal and regain strength, thereby improving the odds they will be able to return home safely. Sometimes, people's health reaches plateaus or continues to decline (Maintenance or custodial level), putting them in need of custodial or Long-Term Care. HICAP can help you review your options. Call 1-800-434-0222 for an appointment. For more details, see Long-Term Care.
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How can I discuss finances and end of life issues with my loved ones?
Many people find it uncomfortable to talk about finances and end-of-life issues, but it can negatively impact quality of care and create more uncomfortable circumstances if you don't. Start the conversation with your loved ones before severe physical or cognitive limitations could make it too late. Some things to consider:
- Does your loved one have an Advance Health Care Directive?
- Is someone designated Medical and Financial Power of Attorney to make decisions in event your loved one cannot?
- Do you know where important documents such as Do Not Resuscitate orders (DNR), Powers of Attorney, Advance Health Care Directives, Wills, and Deeds of Trust are located?
- Are copies of documents on file with appropriate parties such as doctor and hospital?
- Have loved ones expressed their wishes regarding funeral and memorial arrangements?
- Are there funds set aside to pay for such arrangements?
Be a good example — get your own documents in order so to better encourage those in your family to do the same. It is better to have arrangements and not need them than not have them when you need them. Sometimes people find it easier to discuss these sensitive issues when a neutral party outside the family is involved in the conversation. Call HICAP at 1-800-434-0222 if you have questions or need help.