Recommended Resource

This Caregiver’s Guide for Family and Loved Ones from Premier Nursing Academy in Bradenton, Florida, is arranged in a Q&A format with some of the most common questions caregivers have, including:

  • When Is it Time to Tell My Loved One I Believe They Need a Caregiver? (with a checklist of signs your loved one may need support).
  • How Can I Prepare for the Role of Caregiver? (with a list of topics to consider and act upon).
  • Summary of the medical issues and conditions that may reduce someone’s independence and lead to a need for caregiving.
  • Advice for talking to your loved one’s doctors.
  • List of challenges that may be faced, and tips to prevent caregiver burnout.
  • Tips for talking with the family and for finding a support group.

Other resources for new caregivers (alphabetical by provider)

  • Administration for Community Living guide to getting Started on finding caregiving resources (agency is part of the federal Department of Health and Human Services)
  • Medicare Provider and Services Search from the federal program allows zip-code based searches for various types of Medicare eligible health providers for older adults, including doctors, hospitals, nursing homes, home health services, hospice, rehab facilities and others
  • Michigan service directory: alphabetical listing of 45 services searchable by geography or type of service from the state Department of Health and Human Services.
  • Next Step in Care guide to Becoming a Family Caregiver from United Hospital Fund.

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