Introduction

You, the Caregiver, are very important

Few people are prepared for the responsibilities and tasks involved in caring for the aged. To help make the task easier, it is important to have a game plan in life which helps determine where we are headed and how we are going to get there. This guide will help to serve as a road map which gives optional paths for caregivers.  

It is also an emphatic reminder that those who care for other people can do a better job of care-giving if time and attention also are given to their own personal needs. It can not be stated strongly enough; the caregiver is a very important part of the care-giving equation. 

The success of this equation and the continuance of its success is actually dependent on how well the caregiver cares for him/herself. In other words, if the caregiver becomes ill, who will care for the care-receiver? Before you get to that place, please read this handbook.

This handbook explores a number of different topics which can make the role of caregiver easier, and at the same time, help the person receiving the care. Throughout this handbook, care-giving refers to the person giving care, and care-receiver the elderly person receiving the care.

Here are two checklists, one focusing on the care-receiver and the other on the caregiver. They are included as general guidelines to help insure an optimal level of health, safety and comfort for both your care-receiver and yourself, the caregiver.