Never underestimate the power of having an internal network of care providers – meaning family and friends.  As a primary caregiver for your loved one, it can become overwhelming.  Preparing and tapping your internal resources will help you go the distance and save your wallet.  A great YouTube resource for personal caregiving tips is a series of videos by Dr. Natali of Dementia Careblazers.

You may also need to enlist a CARE MANAGER.   Sometimes you feel like you want someone else to take the wheel or even just create a plan to get you on the right track.  There are some options potentially available to you.  First, you might look to see if a geriatric care manager is right for you.  Here is a link to give you more information about what they can do.

These services are fee-based and scaled according to your needs.  For example, they will go to the doctor appointments with your loved one or arrange transportation for various levels of pay.  Since it is private pay, you would just need to be careful to choose an accredited or licensed person. The link for locating someone directly from the accrediting body can be found here: Find an Expert (aginglifecare.org).

In-home care, like most services, requires just the right fit for you and your loved one.  There are a variety of professionals that most agencies offer:

• Home-Health Nurses
• Nurse Practitioners
• Physical Therapists
• Occupational Therapists
• Home-Health Aides
• Personal companions

All About Home Health Care Services – Updated for 2021 – AgingInPlace.org  – gives terrific tips for what to look for, potential services available, and offers a locator service.

Palliative Care for Elderly Seniors (seniorguidance.org) – For those not familiar with the term Palliative Care, it is for those suffering from illnesses that are debilitating and supports them for a better quality of life.  A locator service is also included on this site.

Hospice Care for Elderly Seniors | Is There Hospice Care Near Me? (seniorliving.org) – For those not familiar with the term Hospice Care, it often follows palliative care and is sometimes referred to as end-of-life care where comfort is the focus, not treatment.  A locator service is also included on this site.

Find Meals | Meals on Wheels America – If one less task was on your plate, like preparing meals, it helps to sustain the caregiving.