By Karin Pauly, Founder and Owner of Caring for Nancy
What Caregivers Need Most
Caregiving can be demanding and stressful. Oftentimes, what a caregiver needs most is to share what’s bothering them and the challenges they are facing. Talking with someone can make all the difference. That’s why Caring for Nancy provide’s caregiver consulting appointments – we call them Care Sessions.
“Thank you for the positive feedback. Your clarity and plentiful resources are just what we needed! You’ve made a difference for us and for the whole family.” – Jeryl E.
What Happens During a Care Session
We begin by getting to know each other and establishing trust. Confidentiality is key. I listen. I find out what your greatest concerns and challenges are. Then, together we complete a Caregiver Assessment. Questions asked include, but not limited to:
- Identifying immediate concerns
- Describing housing and living arrangements
- The health status of you and you loved one
- Any safety concerns
- Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) of the loved one
- Reviewing the status of legal documents to determine if they need to be created or updated (such as, health care directive, Power of Attorney, wills, trusts, estate planning, and guardianship)
- Identify the existing support network – both paid and unpaid
- Overview of financial resources for your loved one and any financial concerns for you
A Care Plan
From there, we create a care plan which is two-fold – a plan for your loved one and a self-care plan for you. We’ll focus on practical action items, and also address emotional challenges. We’ll create specific and measurable goals to address any challenges. This may include widening the informal support network, selecting housing options, building safety features in the home or making the list of legal documentation to be completed. The plan will also identify key resources you can explore and use. We will also develop self-care goals for you that are bite size and achievable which may include seeking some respite, going to the doctor, addressing family communication challenges, or bringing fun activities into your life. Once the plan is complete, it is important to check-in on the status of the goals and talk about if anything needs to be adjusted.
“We are so grateful for your thoughtfulness. Jeryl commented that she really felt heard, taking time to gather her story and that your response was so personal.” – Karen L.
Certified to Help
I’ve walked in your shoes. I was my mother’s caregiver for 14 years. Now, I am helping other caregivers. I am certified by the following organizations to provide caregivers professional advice and help.
- Certified for Advanced Dementia Capability Training by the Minnesota Board on Aging
- Community Educator for the Alzheimer’s Association
I enjoy working with caregivers, and love when they leave with a plan that they know they can accomplish. I am joyful when they feel HOPE.
Schedule a Care Session Today
Caregiving is overwhelming and it is ok and normal not to conquer everything at once. Taking small bites and remembering self-care is important. If you would like to schedule a one-hour support session, we can meet over the phone or in person. Together, we will create an action plan specifically designed for you. You”ll leave feeling more confident and more supported. Call or email me to schedule your care session.