Navigating caregiving: 10 must-dos for new caregivers

If your loved one has been diagnosed with a life-limiting illness, here are the ten things you should do first as a new family caregiver.

1. Take time to research, think about, and come to terms with the diagnosis. It’s okay to feel (or not feel) a wide range of emotions.
2. It will be hard but take the time to talk to your loved one about their feelings, wishes, fears, preferences, and expectations.
3. Learn more about the illness, its progression, prognosis, and what to expect.
4. Discuss care options. Understand what different treatments and care options are available, including their duration, their effect on your loved one’s well-being, and expected results.
5. Look into palliative care, which can be provided alongside other forms of care or treatments.
6. Gather important documents and keep them in one place. This includes medical records, insurance documents, social services referrals, or care notes.
7. Clarify who will make up your loved one’s care team. In addition to medical professionals, therapists and home aides, this may also include yourself, other family members, and loved ones.
8. Look into your loved one’s insurance and medical coverage. Understand what treatments and services are covered and which will cost extra. This may include medication, home care, equipment, and more.
9. Help your loved one set up an Advance Care Plan (sometimes called an advance directive) and identify a healthcare proxy (power of attorney - health) who can make medical decisions for your loved one should they become unable to do so.
10. Reflect on your own role in your loved one’s care. Make sure you consider self-care and your own needs. Consider your boundaries, how you can best help, and when. Access a therapist or support group if you can. Communicate your needs to your family, friends, and employer. Remind yourself that you got this.