Organizational Tools
My Caregiver Journal
As part of the Caregiving Collaborations™ program, we created the My Caregiver Journal (PDF)*. This guidebook is designed to help you stay organized when it comes to your loved one’s care. You can use the journal at doctor visits and to keep track of important information and daily routines such as:
- Medical history
- Medication list
- Contact information for primary care physician and other providers
- Emergency contact information
- Copies of lab and radiology results
- Hospital discharge summaries
- Power of Attorney
- Advance directives
- Allergies
- Doctor visit checklist
Contact your Care Manager to get your own My Caregiver Journal.:
Planning
Taking some time to plan can help make your caregiving easier. Creating a daily schedule for your loved one will form routines, and allow you to leave some time to care for yourself.
It may take some time to figure out what works best for you and your loved one. Some people need a strict schedule to follow each week, while others prefer a simple list of items to do each day.
Here are some items you may want to include:
- Daily or weekly chores
- Meal times or plans
- Medication schedule
- Personal care
- Exercise
- Social activities
- Appointments
- Reminders to order supplies or refill prescriptions
Dementia and Alzheimer’s Specific Tools
If you are caring for someone living with dementia, you may need additional resources to help you day-to-day.
It may become hard for your loved one to get around their home. Using labels in the home can act as a guide. Color-coded labels (PDF) with pictures can help if reading becomes a challenge.