Caring for Someone

Caregivers provide support to someone who needs help. It doesn’t matter how many hours per week are spent providing support.  Caring for a family member or friend is not easy, nor is it something most of us are prepared to do.  Learning about being a caregiver may help you provide the care your friend or loved one needs.

You may be caring for someone who needs assistance with day-to-day chores and tasks, but can still make their own decisions about personal matters such as financial affairs, medical care, and household issues.

Knowing and understanding your loved one’s values and wishes will be important as you become responsible for making decisions for them. Advance care planning is the process that allows you to make decisions about the care you would want to receive if you happen to become unable to speak for yourself.  Advance directives are tools that enable people to write down their preferences on a legal form and appoint someone to speak for them if they are no longer able. A living will, healthcare power of attorney, financial power of attorney, and a plan for funeral arrangements can help ensure peace of mind for your loved one and for you, the caregiver.