🧭 Additional Tools and Resources for Caregivers
💬 Questions Caregivers Should Ask
Before making decisions about your loved one’s care, it’s important to ask clear, informed questions about their medical, legal, and financial situation. Use the sections below as a caregiver toolkit.
⚖️ 1. Legal and Financial Basics
Understand essential documents and rights:
- Power of attorney, wills, and advance directives
- Financial planning for long-term care
- Tax benefits and deductions for caregivers
🧩 Tool: Legal Checklist for Caregivers (PDF)
💊 2. Medication Management
Stay on top of prescriptions and treatments:
- Maintain an up-to-date medication list
- Track doses, times, and side effects
- Communicate with pharmacists and doctors regularly
🧩 Tool: Download Medication Log Sheet
🛡️ 3. Long-Term Care Insurance
Review options and coverage:
- Understand what policies cover home or facility care
- Compare premium costs and waiting periods
- Know your rights under the insurance policy
💼 4. Paid Family Leave Programs
Many states offer paid or partially paid leave for family caregivers.
Key steps:
- Check state eligibility
- Apply through your employer or state program
- Keep documentation of caregiving activities
🏛️ 5. Public Benefits
Explore federal and state programs:
- Medicare / Medicaid coverage
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Veterans benefits
🧩 Tool: Public Benefits Eligibility Checker
💚 6. Social Connection and Mental Health
Caregiving can be emotionally demanding — prioritize self-care:
- Join local caregiver support groups
- Use tele-counseling or caregiver apps
- Schedule regular breaks
🧩 Tool: Caregiver Support Hotlines Directory
🏠 7. Home Health Care / Homecare
Options include:
- Skilled nursing, physical therapy, or personal care aides
- Safety home modifications and equipment
- Agency accreditation and caregiver background checks
🧩 Checklist: Home Health Care Readiness
🏡 8. Assisted Living / Nursing Home
When home care is no longer enough:
- Compare facilities using CMS star ratings
- Ask about staff ratios, safety policies, and visitor rules
- Review contracts carefully before signing
🧩 Tool: Facility Comparison Guide
🏥 9. Hospitalizations
Know what to expect during and after hospitalization:
- Communicate with the care team daily
- Plan for discharge and rehabilitation
- Manage medication changes after discharge
🧩 Tool: Post-Discharge Checklist
📘 ADDITIONAL TOOLS AND RESOURCES
📋 Medication Logs
Track all medications, times, doses, and notes.
🧩 Download: Printable Medication Tracker
✅ Health Checklist
A monthly checklist for nutrition, mobility, hygiene, sleep, and mental health.
🧩 Download: Health Maintenance Checklist
🧠 Caregiving Terminology Glossary
Learn common caregiving and medical terms — from “advance directive” to “respite care.”
🧩 Resource: Glossary for Family Caregiver
