Do You Have A Plan?

Being a family caregiver to an aging loved one comes with a lot of duties, responsibilities and I’m sure you’d agree –a lot of balls to keep up in the air!

I'm also sure you’ve created and kept to many routines which help both you and your aging loved one stay on track. Those predictable routines are not only helpful but also critical to the fulfillment of your aging loved one’s day. Even with changes that can occur throughout the day, relying on a few main routines makes a big difference for everyone.

You know that life can throw curveballs. Whether it's a short-term illness or a family emergency to deal with, it means that added pressure on you, the family caregiver can mount up. It can threaten routines and risks shaking up the stability you have crafted for your aging loved one. Those are risks you don’t want to have.

What if you had a playbook? You know, like in sports. Writing a plan that is descriptive enough to help another person, whether it's a family member or a hired companion keep the familiar status quo when you can’t be there.

You can build a playbook quite easily. Write out each of your processes by answering 5 important questions: what you do, when you do it, where you do it, why you do it, and how you do it. Remember to also include what steps your aging loved one enjoys doing, is capable of doing, as well as any cues or reminders that help your loved one be successful in the routine.

Answering those questions will give another person more than enough information to do a great job following your loved one’s routines and meeting your loved one’s needs and preferences in a very familiar fashion when you are away or taking care of you.

Are you wondering where to start?

First decide if you will document the information electronically or in a notebook. Next, consider starting with the more significant routines of the day –like mealtime and bedtime. Answer the five questions and write out the familiar routine with a little detail. [TIP: As you go about your day, you can jot down some simple notes about the routines of the day.]

Once you have the routines written out, share it with someone who knows your loved one and get their feedback. Is anything missing that needs to be added? Does it make sense to the reader? If needed, you can also consider building a checklist. Checklists are very helpful and may invite participation from your aging loved one. Everyone likes to check things off!

As with playbooks in sports, they will change or adjust over time and as needed. Your playbook will too!

Having your playbook as a guide will bring extra reassurance so when someone is filling in for you, they are more confident and comfortable, and your aging loved one is too.

For more ideas, visit www.getafriendindeed.com