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Resources to help people make decisions about end-of-life care and services before a crisis

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How to Prepare, Plan, and Be Present \ Caregiving

Caregiving

Sooner or later most people will be caregivers. Over 53 million people were providing unpaid care in the US in 2020, according to AARP. Many never imagined themselves in that role—it just sort of happened. For some, it was an accident or a serious illness in someone who matters, for others it was a gradual decline in such a person. For some, that person is a partner, others a parent, others a friend, or even a friend of a friend. Help is wanted (or needed) and people step up.

In this section, you will learn about:

  • What is Caregiving?
  • Preparing and Getting Organized for Becoming a Caregiver
  • Caregiver Activities, Duties and Responsibilities
  • Caring for a Veteran with Serious Illness
  • Caring for Children with Serious Illness
  • Taking the Time to Listen as a Caregiver
  • Finding Caregiving Resources & Support
A person looks at their partner in bed. She is looking up at him.

What is Caregiving?

A caregiver gives an elderly person a meal

You may be providing care during a crisis, over the course of a long illness, from a distance, or while caring for others, such as children, as well. Caregiving involves many intertwined activities from the direct, hands on care of a person, looking after their environment, nurturing their social connections, and dealing with doctors, hospitals, and insurance companies. Often, you may forget to care for yourself. 

Learn about:

  • An overview of caregiving
  • How can you get started as a caregiver?
  • Ways to be prepared to give care
  • Tips on getting organized as a caregiver
  • Being sure to take the time to listen

What are the Activities of Caregiving?

A person considers the different types of caregiving

When giving care, there may be many things you will be asked to do that you have never done before. Learn what day-to-day duties and activities may be included in both family and non-family caregiving responsibilities, and what you need to know about providing personal and comfort care.      

Learn about:

  • What is physical care?
  • How to work to ensure home safety
  • Nurturing connections as a caregiver
  • Getting help interacting with the healthcare system and insurers

Resources for Caregivers

A person is looking up information on getting caregiving support

Caregiving often comes with new responsibilities and unfamiliar tasks, yet most caregivers never receive education or training. In most communities there are different organizations that may offer information or support to help with caregiver duties. We’ve gathered links to resources and groups that can provide you additional support and information as a caregiver.

Learn about:

  • Information on overall caregiving
  • Support groups that you can find
  • Services that may help you

Further Guidance

You might find these topics relevant to your journey.

Talking with Others About Their End-of-Life Wishes
Learn how to have important conversations about a loved one's care and end-of-life wishes, whether you will be responsible for their care or just want to listen.
Talking with Your Doctors and Other Healthcare Providers
Learn how to be more prepared with talking with your doctors about your heathcare wishes.
Taking the Time to Listen as a Caregiver
It is important to take the time to listen as a caregiver. Consider how to listen to the person we are caring for, to doctors, and to ourselves.

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A program of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization

About

CaringInfo, a program of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, provides free resources to educate and empower patients and caregivers to make decisions about serious illness and end-of-life care and services. CaringInfo’s goal is that all people are making informed decisions about their care.  Learn more about CaringInfo.

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