Caregiver Corner – Essential Care Quick Guide and Checklist
Whether you’re new or experienced, these steps help keep your loved one safe and make care easier. Complete them at your own pace.
- Learn About Their Diagnosis – Understand how the condition progresses, available treatments, challenges, and caregiving tips.
- Know Warning Signs – Ask your doctor what symptoms need urgent care. Make an emergency action plan.
- Review Medications – Have a doctor or pharmacist check for interactions, duplicates, and missed doses.
- List Daily Needs – Identify tasks they need help with to guide therapies and funding options.
- Organize Documents – Get Power of Attorney (POA) signed early so they choose who makes decisions.
- Make the Home Safe – Request a safety assessment. Rearrange items, move the bedroom if needed, add grab bars, remove rugs/clutter, and improve lighting.
- Create a Backup Plan – Choose who will help if you can’t. Share contact info and care details.
- Connect with Resources – Prevent burnout with in-home care, transportation, meals, and respite.
- Minnesota Aging Pathways Services for Older Minnesotans | Aging Pathways / Aging Pathways
- Find Caregiver Support – Your needs matter! Join support groups, forums, counseling, or education programs.
- Make a Question List – Write down questions for the healthcare team and update regularly.
