Do You Have the Right Tools?
Caregivers need tools. Having the right tools for any job is key to being more effective and efficient. As a family caregiver, managing the day-to-day responsibilities of caring for a loved one can be overwhelming. From coordinating medical appointments to keeping track of medications, it can be easy to feel like you’re constantly playing catch-up. The good news is that there are many tools available that can help make your job easier. In this post, we’ll take a look at tools that can make a family caregiver’s job easier. We hope you’ll find these tips and tools helpful.
Caregiver Tools
The “right” caregiver tools may look different for every caregiver. It’s important to take the time to explore and choose what will be helpful to you. Get started with these suggestions:
Tried and True Tools
- Pill organizers are physical containers, often with compartments for each day of the week, that can help caregivers keep track of medication schedules and dosages. They can be easily carried on the go and can be a great way to keep track of medications when you’re away from home.
- Mobility assistance devices: Tools such as walkers, canes, and wheelchairs can make it easier for caregivers to assist their loved ones. If your loved one has issues with mobility, be sure to alert their primary care physician. They may be able to prescribe equipment at little to no cost to you.
- Home modification and assistance tools are designed to make it easier for caregivers to help their loved one move around the house and perform daily activities. These tools can include bed raisers, grab bars, and shower chairs, among others. Other types of home modification and assistance tools include stairlifts, ramps, and lift chairs. They all have the same goal which is to make the home environment safer and more accessible for a person with mobility issues.
- Transportation services: Services like Uber, Lyft, and local transportation providers can make it easier for caregivers to take their loved ones to appointments and run other errands. Many communities have non-profit programs that provide transportation in certain circumstances. Contact your local Area Agency on Aging to learn what is available in your community.
Smart Tools
- Medication reminder apps: There are a variety of smartphone apps available, such as Medisafe and MyTherapy, that can help caregivers create medication schedules, set reminders, and track pill usage. These apps can be especially useful for caregivers who are juggling multiple medication schedules for multiple loved ones.
- Communication tools: Platforms like Zoom, Facetime, and WhatsApp can help caregivers stay in touch with family members and other caregivers, even if they are in different locations.
- Caregiving apps: There are many apps available that can help caregivers stay organized, track medical information, and communicate with other caregivers and healthcare providers. Some examples include Advocord and Memoryz. (read more about caregiver apps)
- Home-monitoring devices, such as smart cameras and sensors, can be an invaluable tool for caregivers who need to keep an eye on their loved one’s safety and well-being while they are away. These devices allow caregivers to remotely access and monitor their loved one’s home through a smartphone app or computer, giving them peace of mind knowing that they can check on their loved one at any time.
- Personal emergency response systems (PERS), also known as medical alert devices, are designed to provide peace of mind by allowing your loved one to quickly call for help in case of an emergency. These devices typically include a small, wearable button that connects to a monitoring company like Life Alert or Direct Link in case of an emergency. PERS can also be integrated with other home-monitoring devices, such as smart cameras, to provide even more comprehensive monitoring and response capabilities.
Caregiver Tools = Quality of Life
Being a family caregiver can be a challenging and demanding task. But with the right tools, it can also be manageable and fulfilling. The tools discussed in this blog post can help caregivers stay organized and ensure the safety of their loved one. It’s important to evaluate and choose the tools that fit the needs of your loved one, and you. Remember, self-care is also important, so make sure to take some time for yourself and seek help if needed. With the right tools and resources, caregivers can provide the best care possible for their loved ones. In turn, this will result in a better quality of life for everyone!
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Author: Liz Craven
Liz Craven, along with her husband Wes, owns Pro-Ad Media, publisher of Sage Aging ElderCare Guide, serving the local community for over 28 years. Liz lives in Lakeland and is very active in the local community, specifically in the area of aging. Liz serves on a number of local boards and committees including the Lakeland Vision and Age Friendly Lakeland.
