Caring Web

Being an Informed Consumer

outside servicesAvailable Outside Services

The caregiver role can be extremely rewarding, but it can also be challenging at times. Here are some ways that can help you, "the caregiver", coordinate and provide needed services to ensure the health and safety of those in your care.

How Do You Know What You Need?

-Start with you…. What are you able to provide at this time?

-Try to avoid the “I can do it all” syndrome when setting up care.

-Help your loved one identify the situation and his/her needs.

-Talk. Find out and understand the preferences and concerns of those you care for.

-Identify exactly what you can and cannot do for your loved one. Say no when you must.

-Make a list of what is needed. What services can you provide?

-Service might be more readily accepted if recommended by a healthcare professional.

-If costs are a concern for you and/or your loved one, investigate provisions of insurance coverage and Medicare and Medicaid benefits.

The solution may not always be perfect. You may need to accept a decision until a situation arises that causes a change.

Please click on one (1) of the following links below to Investigate Available Services:

Respite Care

Homecare Services

Assisted Living and Nursing Home Facilities

Other Services

Additional Information:

The following are some web sites to provide you with more information about outside services:

Steps to Become an Informed Caregiver

The Journey of Caregiving

American Medical Alarms, Inc.


References:

Continuing Medical Education, Inc. (2003). Vital information for the informed patient and caregiver. Retrieved from http://www.healthieryou.com/

Derstine, J., & Hargrove, S. (2001). Comprehensive rehabilitation nursing. Philadelphia: Saunders.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2009). CMS: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Retrieved from www.cms.hhs.gov

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2011). Health resources and human services. Retrieved from http://www.hrsa.gov/index.html

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2009). Nursing home compare. Retrieved from www.medicare.gov/NHCompare

Developed in 2003 by Heather Pierce, BA, LSW and Linda Pierce, PhD, RN at The University of Toledo for Caring~Web©.

Revised 2010, 2012

Last Updated: 6/27/22