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T H E C A R E G I V E R ’ S T O O L K I T
CHAPTER 1
EXPLORING CHALLENGES
Most of us don’t like to think about a loved one needing significant
support to manage everyday life. However, no one can predict when an
emergency situation might occur, and if caught unprepared, a person or
family often faces a much greater burden in making important caregiving
decisions. Even though it is difficult, the best way to be prepared as a
caregiver is to plan, talk, and prepare before a crisis occurs. Here are some
key strategies to help you be prepared for the realities of caregiving:
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Talk early and talk often with your loved one.
Frequent, relaxed and open conversations
about personal wishes, fears and options will make the topic feel less taboo. Everyday life
may present scenarios or stories that provide a springboard for a conversation that will help
you to better understand your own concerns and your loved one’s wishes. For example, a
friend has recently had to assume the role of caregiver or is in need of more family support.
Use this situation to start a conversation; it may be the foundation of a discussion about your
loved one’s plans and concerns.
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Take time and make time to know your loved one in a different way.
Talking is key and
making time to do so is important. No matter how much you plan or discuss life planning
issues with those you care about, there will always be some issue that may arise that you
didn’t talk about. Having a strong sense of how your loved one views things will help you in
those moments where the path isn’t clear. What are their fears? What role does their faith
play in their decisions? What things bring them comfort?
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Encourage your loved ones to have a plan and be organized.
When the unexpected
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plan. There are some great resources to help get financial, legal and other concerns in
line and are free of cost, although it never hurts to consult a professional such as a lawyer
or accountant. See page 31 for a comprehensive checklist to assistance in planning.
Completing this checklist will help to ensure that you have planned effectively to keep track of
legal affairs, preserve personal wishes, and plan ahead for life’s unforeseen events.
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Whenever possible, let your loved one lead the decision making
. When our loved
ones begin to need our care and support, it is usually because they are becoming less
independent or no longer able to care for themselves on their own. This can be very
disheartening. Loss of autonomy is a major contributor to depression, and the more choices
our loved ones have, the better their outlook will be. In the rush and stress of caregiving, we
can forget how important our loved one’s choices are, even if they might seem insignificant in
the grand scheme of things. The more empowered they feel, the less they will feel a sense of
loss and dependency.
Harford County Department
of Community Services
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