Pick a Caregiver

Tips for Selecting Your Caregiver

A caregiver gives you a second set of ears, eyes and hands to take in everything about your illness and treatment. Particularly if you’re facing a chronic disease, major surgery or long-term treatment, their support can have a significant impact on your care and recovery.

That’s why we’ve compiled some tips for selecting the caregiver that’s right for you.

Consider the type of support you’ll need

Since everyone’s healthcare journey is unique, it makes sense to take some time to consider your specific care plan, as well as your pre- and post-care needs. Will you need:

• Assistance with the activities of daily living?
• At-home medication management?
• Emotional support?
• Help remembering important details?
• Transportation?

In medical situations that require ongoing medications, your caregiver can be a great help: Most importantly, providing steady support so you can focus on resting and getting well. This could include:

• Asking your doctor any questions that arise about your medications.
• Keeping track of and organizing your medications.
• Making sure you don’t run out of medication.
• Minimizing your risk for drug interactions.
• Recognizing and monitoring side effects.
• Scheduling and administering your medications correctly.
• Talking to your pharmacist when necessary.
• Understanding what symptoms and conditions each medication treats.

Look for specific caregiver qualities

Being a caregiver is a big responsibility. Not only will your caregiver be at your side throughout your healthcare journey providing critical support when you need it most, they’ll help track every detail of your treatment plan.

That’s why it’s important to choose someone you inherently trust with your personal information and who possesses strong communication skills.

You’ll want to be sure your caregiver is:

• A good communicator who can help voice your concerns to your doctor.
• A good listener who won’t interrupt or talk over you or your doctor.
• A positive collaborator who won’t be combative with your providers.
• Fully understanding of their role as your supporter.

Set caregiver expectations

Let your caregiver know in advance what you’re hoping to accomplish during your doctor’s visits, and how you’d like them to participate. Keep in mind your visit is between you and your doctor, so your caregiver should be there in a supportive role.

If you want time alone with your doctor to discuss personal matters or private concerns, make this clear to your caregiver prior to the visit. You can ask them to stay in the waiting room for part of the visit. This way they can make sure they’re truly helping you in the way you need it most.

You’ll also want to be clear about your recovery and at home needs.