Life can change in an instant. As your parents age or when a close relative or friend suffers a major illness or accident, you may find yourself in the role of family caregiver.

Caregiving is vital. From making sure that your loved one has healthy food on hand to helping them with daily tasks to serving as an advocate for their healthcare, your assistance helps ensure your loved one’s well-being.

Caregiving can feel daunting at first. Here are tips from the National Institute on Aging for getting started with caregiving.

Find out as much as you can about the person’s medical situation.

Learn about your loved one’s health and the treatments they are receiving. Your loved one may be reluctant to share details, so approach the conversation with sensitivity. Ask your loved one whether they are willing to give their healthcare providers permission to share their medical information with you.

Knowing the details of your loved one’s situation can help you better understand what they are dealing with, anticipate how an illness might change over time and manage their healthcare.

Determine where to get help.

You don’t have to care for your loved one by yourself. Reach out to close family members and friends to see if they can share caregiving responsibilities.

Check for state and local organizations that can provide information and support for family caregivers. In Ohio, visit the Department of Aging website for articles and resources supporting caregivers. The Ohio Department of Aging also maintains a list of Area Agencies on Aging that provide services to families in your area.

Get training if needed.

If you’ve never been a caregiver, you may benefit from learning more about how to provide care for your loved one. Caregiver training is available from many sources, including hospitals, state and local governments and nonprofit organizations. Training courses are often free or low cost, and some can be completed online.

The National Institute on Aging provides caregiver worksheets that can help you learn more about the caregiver’s role. Topics include how to share caregiving responsibilities, making sure the home is safe, managing medications, handling important documents and paperwork and more.

Find a caregiver support group.

Caregiver support groups (online or in person) are a great way to connect with people who understand what you’re going through.

Your doctor or faith community may be able to help you find the right support group. You can also reach out to your local senior center, state office on aging or social services office or local Area Agency on Aging for information about support groups.

The Family Caregiver Alliance and the Caregiver Action Network offer online and in-person settings for caregivers to connect with one another.

Remember to take care of yourself.

All caregivers need a break from time to time. Don’t wait until you’re completely overwhelmed to seek help from family, friends or professional services.

Professionals may be able to suggest ways for you to take care of your physical and mental health, and they can connect you with resources. Consider talking to your doctor, a counselor or other mental health professional, local senior center or agency on aging or your faith community for help when you are feeling stressed.

Medicare certified Home Health Agencies such as Aultman Health Care in Your Home may be able to assist with the caregiving journey. Services must be ordered by a medical provider. Please contact Aultman Health Care in Your Home for information at 330-479-4805.

Source: National Institute on Aging