4 Key Building Blocks of Caregiving That Will Make Your Care Journey Easier

If we could sit down together over a cup of coffee, I’d share the biggest challenges I’ve seen families face in my 20-plus years as a nurse. Most of them fall into the four topics we are about to unpack.  Caregiving is tough—you’re already juggling so much in your daily life, our healthcare system can be difficult to navigate, and having too much information can sometimes make decisions harder. While every caregiving journey is unique, many of the challenges we face are similar.

We’re all doing our best as caregivers! Sometimes your loved one is resisting the very things that would be helpful. At times, you are doing everything right and you still feel like you’re trying to push a boulder uphill. It can be difficult to meet your loved ones where they are and be in peace with that.  At times, your loved ones don’t fully grasp the magnitude of your day to day.

Though these four points focus on tasks, they are your foundation. Caregiving is clearly more than organizing and managing. But, once these pieces are in place, you’ll be able free up so much mental energy to be present, focus on connection, and enjoy the fulfilling aspects of caregiving—including taking care of yourself.

Caregiving is both simple and complex, deeply personal yet universal. Because of this, we need to give ourselves and our loved ones grace, patience, and understanding.  So, why these four? Because, time and again, this is where families tend to struggle most.

1. Initiate Early Discussions About Healthcare Wishes

Engaging in proactive conversations about your loved one’s medical preferences is essential. These discussions ensure that future healthcare decisions align with their values, reducing stress and confusion during critical moments.  Unfortunately, family dynamics don’t dissolve during critical moments, they intensify. Start the conversation gently, slowly, and with an open mind.

• Document Preferences: Encourage the creation of advance directives to provide clear guidance to healthcare providers and family members.
• Select a Trusted Healthcare Proxy: Choose someone who understands and respects your loved one’s values to make medical decisions on their behalf if necessary.
• Regularly Review and Update Plans: Healthcare wishes can change; ensure that directives are current and reflect your loved one’s evolving preferences.

These are not easy conversations and sometimes involving a neutral third party can help start the conversation and keep progress moving forward.  Give yourself the luxury of time so that decisions can be made with consideration and thoughtfulness, without pressure and urgency. 

For a deeper dive, here is a full post on the topic:

Starting Crucial Conversations About Aging with Compassion: Navigate Sensitive Discussions With Your Loved Ones.

2. Consolidate Medical Information in One Accessible Place

Organizing medical information, medication lists, provider contacts, and legal paperwork in a centralized location is vital for caregiving, not just for continuity but also for your peace of mind.  Having everything in one place also makes communication with your healthcare providers easier.

• Create a Care Notebook: Use a physical binder and/or a digital notebook containing all pertinent health information.
• Utilize Digital Health Platforms: Tools like care management apps can help in tracking appointments, medications, and sharing information with those who need it.
• Set Up Patient Portals: Help your loved one access their online medical records.
• Ensure Accessibility and Security: Keep information handy but secure. I use the “Notes” app on my phone, locking sensitive info or hiding it when scanning documents.

Having everything in one place eases daily care, makes it simpler to schedule respite care, and supports you in case of emergencies. There’s nothing worse than being in the ER and not having answers. With a notebook or digital copy, you can give providers all the information they need.

Here’s a link to my free guide if you want to use the same process I followed to get our family info organized.   https://caregiverscoffee.myflodesk.com/yasau6b9p6

Prefer not to share your email? Here is the post I wrote about the same topic:

Welcome to Caregivers Coffee: A Community for the Sandwich Generation

3. Regularly Review and Organize Medications

Managing medications is crucial. Regular reviews prevent harmful interactions, and remember, your pharmacist is a great resource. Highlight blood thinners: this info is vital if there’s a fall or planned procedure.

• Keep an Updated Medication List: Note all meds, doses, and schedules; update with any changes.
• Set reminders: Use phone alarms or smart devices for medication times.
• Use Pill Organizers if Necessary: help manage daily and weekly medication schedules, but these are NOT child proof! 
• Attend appointments when possible: stay informed about medications and discuss any concerns or side effects.
• Consult your pharmacist: They can advise you about interactions and proper use. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and clarify any uncertainties. 

PLEASE CLARIFY MEDS IF YOU ARE CRUSHING THEM for administration.  SUSTAINED RELEASE MEDS and ENTERIC COATED tabs should not be crushed unless you are directed otherwise by your provider.  There may be a better formulation available so please get specific advice before altering the integrity of any medication.

NOTE: If your loved one is taking controlled substances and you have kids or teens, please consider storing these in a locked area and keep them out of reach.  Occasionally count remaining pills, especially if they run out sooner than expected.

Here is a link if you need more information on medication tracking and management: 

Give Yourself the Gift of Organization: Create a Medication Tracking System That Works for Your Family

4. Encourage the Use of Mobility Aids and Create a Mobility Friendly Home

Promoting the use of mobility aids can significantly enhance your loved one’s independence, safety, and overall quality of life. A fall can drastically affect their quality of life. While a fall may still happen even after you’ve checked all the boxes, knowing that you have created a safe environment and provided the necessary support will give everyone peace of mind. 

• Enhanced Independence: canes, walkers, and scooters empower individuals to navigate their environment with more ease and confidence. Individuals may feel more confident participating in family and community activities.
• Reduce Fall Risks: By providing additional support and stability, mobility devices help prevent falls.
• Alleviate Pain and Fatigue: Mobility aids can lessen the physical strain associated with movement, making it possible to walk further distances with less discomfort. Using a walker or cane can help distribute weight more evenly, easing pressure on joints and muscles. 

Encourage proper use by consulting with your provider to choose the best device.  If they are struggling to use a cane or a walker, talk to your provider about occupational therapy to teach them how to use it; it’s not always intuitive.

Creating a safe living space for your loved one can be done in many ways.  You can download checklists or hire a company to come and do a formal assessment of your home.  Either way, start by:

• Removing trip hazards and clearing pathways
• Raising toilet seats for easier use
• Improve lighting in frequently used areas, inside and outside
• Place a stable seat in the shower

These steps set up essentials while you consider more permanent installations like grab bars, fixing uneven floors, and widening doorway, to name a few.

Final thoughts

Navigating the twists and turns of today’s healthcare system can feel daunting. But remember, you’re not alone on this path. By embracing these four key steps:  early conversations about healthcare wishes, keeping all medical info handy, staying on top of medications, and encouraging the use of helpful mobility aids—you can make a world of difference for your loved one and yourself.

Think of these actions as your caregiving toolkit, designed to make the road a bit smoother and the load a little lighter. Yes, it can take some time to put these pieces into place.  Give yourself space to put these into motion if you haven’t already.  Whether you are just starting out in your caregiving journey, or you have been caregiving for quite some time, it’s never too early or too late to start.  Small, consistent action is your best friend. 

Remember you are a vital part of the caregiving journey.  Your self- care is as important as the people you care for.   Ask for help, accept help, get in community with other caregivers, ask questions, and prioritize time each day to decompress and recharge.  Please seek professional support before you reach your breaking point, even if all you can access is an on-line session due to time constraints.  Caregivers need care too!