SENIORS FIRST PLACER COUNTY RESOURCE GUIDE
Suggestions for New Caregivers When you are starting out as a family caregiver it is hard to know where to begin. It may be that you and other family members have observed changes in your family member’s behavior or personality, cognitive decline, or confusion. It is time to act. The following suggestions describe how to begin. • Obtain a medical diagnosis. Gather observations from those who know your family member well and attend the doctor’s appointment prepared to share those observations. Do not send your family member to the appointment alone. If they are having cognitive or memory problems, they will not be a good reporter for the physician, nor will they be able to bring back accurate information to you. • Educate yourself about the medical procedures used to determine an appropriate medical diagnosis and act as an advocate on your family member’s behalf. • Discuss your family member’s resources and future wishes . This is often difficult to discuss with parents, as we do not want to be invasive; however, we want to keep our family members safe and secure and we may be approaching a time where we must take charge of their financial affairs. o Healthcare Benefits: you may need a Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) appointment to fully understand what health care coverage your family has in place. o Finances: income, assets, property. (See Appendix topic Organizing Information .) o Future wishes as to how they would like to live their life and what type of care they would like to receive as the diagnosis progresses • Learn about diagnosis, treatment options, community resources, and support groups. • Find support groups for yourself to join and attend.
Questions? Call Seniors First 530-889-9500
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