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Drawn from over twenty-five years of experience, this comprehensive manual sets forth how to evaluate priorities, understand options, and face bedrock issues so caregivers can make informed decisions for their loved ones, while balancing their own needs and gaining peace of mind.
Author and family caregiving expert David Levy provides a model for effective planning and decision-making, focusing on the nonclinical aspects of caregiving (legal, financial, emotional, and social), which are often neglected by medical professionals:
David Levy, JD is a gerontologist and a recognized family caregiver expert. Levy holds a Doctor of Jurisprudence and is a Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Mediator in family caregiving and a certified Family Conflict Dynamics Profiler. He facilitates weekly family caregiver support groups and counsels family caregivers, both pro bono and privately.
“David Levy has been doing ‘caregiving’ since before that term was in vogue. This book can be a lifesaver and is certain to engender a higher quality of life for all who will be touched by this knowledge.” —Scott M. Solkoff, Esq., Founder of Solkoff Legal, Florida bar board-certified specialist in elder law
“. . . a valuable tool that can assist and support unpaid family caregivers in their efforts to provide an improved quality of life for their loved ones while they maintain balance in their own lives. Educating family caregivers allows them to be better prepared to face the myriad of issues that arise in caregiving.” —Charles T. Corley, Former Secretary, Florida Department of Elder Affairs
Preface
1. Today’s Family Caregiver: Are You a Family Caregiver?
2. Why Planning Counts
3. Positive Attitude = Success
Overcoming Guilt and Resentment
Letting Go
You as a Caregiver
Benefitting from a Support Group
4. Building a Successful Plan
5.Why Document?
What Can You Learn?
Does Everyone Need Legal Documents?
Get It Organized
6. Critical Information: The Lists
The Caregiver’s List
The List for the Person Needing Care Now or in the Future
7. Thinking about “What If . . . ?”
Overcoming Objections
When You Are Already Giving Care
What Can You Do?
Getting Things in Order
Starting the Discussion about Care Needs
Knowing When Care Is Needed
You Are Planning, So What Else?
Planning for Financial Needs
Putting Care into Place
Crises
What You Need to Know in an Emergency
8. Practical Problem Solving
Addressing Medical and Health Needs
Questions to Ask the Doctor
Overall Housing and Care Needs
Security/Safety Condition Check
Hiring a Paid Caregiver
Fundamentals of Hiring and Managing In-Home Care Services
Using In-Home Care from a Home Healthcare Agency Complaints
Your Role When Someone Else Gives Care
Advocate for a Person Living Away from Home
9. Someone Else Deserves Care—You
Rate Your Caregiver Stress
Your Plan for Stress Reduction
10. Understanding Continuum of Care
How Much Care Is Needed?
11. Write Your Plan/Make It Work
Sample Narrative and Plan
12. Additional Resources
Appendix: The Family Caregiver Questionnaire