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There is an army of caregivers out there. In the United States alone there are 53 million caregivers, according to the Caregiving in the U.S. 2020 report from AARP and the National Alliance for Caregiving.1 And more than one in four caregivers report trouble with coordinating their loved one’s care. So if you’re struggling to get into a routine or find ways to make caregiving easier, you’re certainly not alone!
These organizational tips for family caregivers can make life easier for everyone, but especially for you. They can ease concerns that you’re missing something. They can give you the peace of mind you need to breathe easier. They can allow you to take better care of your loved ones – and yourself.
Let’s jump into it!
1. Make a List of Priorities
The key to staying organized is figuring out what needs to be organized in the first place. Once you figure out what the priorities are for your loved one’s care and focus on those, you might be surprised to see how quickly other things fall into place.
To get started, consider the most pressing issues for your loved one. Do they have medical conditions that need daily attention? Are they no longer safe in the home and need someone with them around the clock? Are there certain activities of daily living they can no longer do for themselves, such as bathing or dressing? Is falling a concern and you need to find an affordable fall alert pendant?
Make a list of the things you need to do for them every day and then rank that list based on what matters most for good health and longevity. That ranking will help you decide what really matters. As you move forward into better organizing your day-to-day life, that list can keep you on track.
2. Create Solid Routines
You might already have a partial routine in place, but examine every part of your day and the care you provide and then ask yourself if there are ways to make it easier and better. Look for the moments you become frustrated or overwhelmed. Did the routine break down during those times? It’s time to change the routine to something kinder to your mental health!
Why does routine matter so much? According to The Gerontologist, seniors who have loose routines or no routines at all were prone to developing more physical problems, as well as issues with depression and anxiety.2 The same is true for caregivers, who also need routines because they are comforting and let you know what to expect from day-to-day life. Research has also found that those who have strong routines experience less stress, better sleep, and stronger relationships with loved ones.
3. A Big Binder is Your Best Friend
How do you organize all those lists and important reminders for the caregiving journey? That’s where a big binder comes into play.
Choose one that you will enjoy using. Perhaps it’s your favorite color or size. Maybe you like the way it allows you to organize into various sections. Choose a binder that speaks to you.
The binder will need to include the following sections:
· Facts about your loved one, such as their medical conditions, allergies, date of birth, and insurance information.
· A day-to-day journal that details how they (and you) are feeling.
· Medications they are taking and information on side effects, interactions, and the like.
· What to do in the event of a medical emergency. This should be tailored specifically for your loved one’s known medical conditions.
· Pertinent documents, such as copies of power of attorney or a living will.
· A place for daily notes on their conditions and needs.
· A calendar where you keep track of appointments, medication changes, and activities.
· A list of emergency contacts, as well as a list of general contacts, such as phone numbers for the pharmacy or senior community center.
Add other sections to the binder as time goes on and your caregiving journey changes.
4. Choose Products to Make Life Easier
Now is the time to reach for the things that ease the burden even the slightest bit. The small things add up and eventually lead to a smoother day-to-day life.
One of the best products you could invest in is a medication organizer, reminder, and dispenser. Look for one that has plenty of room for all the medications your loved one is on. The only catch is that you must remember to refill the medications on a regular basis (that’s where the calendar in your binder can help).
Look to products like modified utensils for those who have trouble with using their hands, grab bars in the bathroom and other places in the house where falls are more likely, and medical alert systems for seniors that summon emergency help at the press of a button. A raised toilet seat, shower bench, adjustable bed, and even nightlights are all great ideas.
5. Create an Emergency File
Do you have a plan for your loved one if you can’t care for them? A sudden medical emergency of your own is one example of a time when you must forgo your caregiving duties and take care of yourself first. Having an emergency file for a backup caregiver can provide incredible peace of mind.
That emergency file should include:
· A list of medications they are taking. Update this list every time medications are changed.
· Copies of advance directives and other pertinent legal documents.
· Contact details for doctors, pharmacies, and loved ones.
· Identification and insurance information.
· A detailed list of personal information, such as the routines your loved one is accustomed to.
Make sure that emergency file is with your binder. That binder will need to go to whoever is handling things in your absence. This is another good reason to keep the binder up to date, as others will need to know how you handled caregiving so they can step into your shoes as much as possible.
6. Get Rid of Clutter in the Home
It’s amazing what a little cleaning can do for your spirits. Besides being a very practical step to take, getting rid of clutter can help you keep the things that “spark joy,” as Marie Kondo would say. Cleaning the place up also means a much safer environment for you and your loved one.
Clear walkways can help lower the risk of falls for everyone in the home, not just the elderly. An emergency alert system is ideal for those in the home who are at a higher risk of falls or medical emergencies.
Organizing the home in a way that is comfortable for you allows you to focus on other things. This can be quite helpful if things get hectic – cleaning up will be one less thing to worry about.
If there is a great deal of clutter, take this step a little at a time. Set a goal to clean one section of the home every day. It might be a whole room, or it might be as simple as organizing the table next to the recliner. Small steps can lead to big changes.
7. Expect the Unexpected – And Prepare for It
Just when you think you’ve got it all covered and you’re proud of yourself for getting so organized, life throws a wrench into your well-laid plans. Emergencies can occur at any time, so it’s important to be proactive rather than reactive.
To that end, consider what you will do in an emergency. For instance, if your loved one takes a hard fall and needs medical attention, a fall alert at their fingertips is a great way to ensure they get the best help as soon as possible. If they have a medical condition that requires attention and certain medications, make sure to have all the supplies ready to go. A good example of this is creating an “emergency bag” for someone with diabetes, kept in a handy place.
Keep in mind that getting out of the home quickly can be tough for seniors who have limited mobility or certain medical problems. Brainstorm ways that you can quickly get them to safety if necessary.
8. Don’t Forget About Yourself
You’re doing everything you can to take care of your loved one. But remember that no one can pour from an empty cup. No amount of organizing your life can make up for feeling depleted and lost in the details.
To that end, take care of yourself. Use a journal to record your thoughts and feelings. Take advantage of respite care to get out of the house and recharge. Make a point of getting enough sleep, even if it means you must hire someone for the evening hours. Eat well and create an exercise routine that serves you.
Finally, don’t hesitate to ask others for help. Caregiving is a very rewarding journey but it can also be a difficult one. Reaching out for everything from respite care to a simple phone call to a friend to vent can work wonders for all aspects of your own good health.
