Being a caregiver for someone severely ill can be a difficult and time-consuming. For the caregiver who is new, taking on this new responsibility in an already hectic schedule is a challenge. This article will provide some organization techniques that can reduce the amount of time and effort needed to accomplish the tasks required and help to lessen stress .
Communication
In my time of caregiving I realized that communicating with family and friends to provide updates an overwhelming task. Sharing the same information several times is time-consuming. To share information with a larger but curious group of people you could consider starting a blog or e-mail to update information once instead of multiple times. Responses to blog comments or e-mail messages can be made at a time that is convenient for the caregiver rather than each time the phone rings. Being in control of the required communications reduces anxiety and stress that comes with multiple interruptions throughout your day. I found that using a blog for communication can also help reduce issues related to the misinterpretation of information when it goes from one person to another. E-mail or the blog serves to be the "single source" of truth.
Medical History
A patient who is seriously ill often requires numerous visits to specialists, doctors as well as hospitals. A common and frequent question from health professionals was about medications taken by the patient. Secondary in frequency were concerns about other health professionals, insurance and pharmacy services, previous surgeries and allergic reactions. The recording of this information into an organized location, whether by hand or electronically, ensures that you have all the relevant information easily accessible when you need it. If maintained, it helps to prevent medical mistakes. Recalling information at the hospital or during an emergency can be difficult. It frequently leads to the misinterpretation of crucial details or sharing incorrect details. The other benefit is lower stress level on the caretaker.
Medication List
A patient who is seriously ill often requires multiple medications. Once again, if you record all medications to one place and include a dosing plan, it helps to prevent medication errors. It also allows you to share the responsibility of providing medications to other people when required which allows you to delegate that burden and address other tasks. If the list is maintained the list of medications provides an easy way to recall the information when requested by health care professionals as well as emergency service personnel.
Medicine Information
When taking many medications, the chance of adverse reactions increases significantly. Pharmacies provide medicine information sheets for the medication they dispensate. Information on medicines is also accessible on the Internet. By putting all of the medical information in one place allows you to locate quickly the information you require, should you suspect that someone you care for has problems with medication. If you suffer from a serious illness you realize that many doctors are prescribing medications. This list will help you keep all doctors Elderly updated to prevent issues from the onset. If a side effect occurs, doctors usually are able to find other options for treatment.
Calendar
The seriously ill person often needs multiple health visits. I recommend using a calendar to record every appointment. It doesn't matter whether it's either paper or electronic. Having the calendar available minimizes the issues of scheduling too many appointments in one day, or creating multiple appointments.
None of the suggestions I share are revolutionary, however every one of these tiny organizational tips add up in time. Our minds are powerful, but often overwhelmed when trying to deal with too many issues at once or try to keep track of too many things. Untangling the mind from details lets you focus on the important subjects or other activities. Eliminating the mind from the details can help ease the anxiety you experience when taking care for your loved one.
Suddenly a Caregiver
Sharing a family's experience and lessons learned to guide you navigate the daunting obligation of becoming a family caregiver.