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Did you know that November is National Family Caregiver's Month?

This edition of ConnectCares is dedicated to you, the 53 million American caregivers that enhance the quality of life for those in need.

• Teamwork makes the dreamwork: Transform from Caregiver to Care partner!
• 5 Tips for making your next medical appointment more informative and productive.
• Productive or Fun? Expert tips to make care partnering both!

Teamwork makes the dreamwork: Transform from Caregiver to Care Partner!

Words matter. Learning how becoming a "care partner" can help both you and those you care about.

Most of us refer to ourselves as caregivers, or simply, someone who provides care. The difference between a caregiver and a care partner is subtle but very important. According to dementia expert Teepa Snow, “a caregiver gives care, while a care partner partners in care.” It simply changes the relationship from one of giving and receiving care to one which highlights a team approach. 

Teamwork Makes the Dreamwork: As a care partner you are an essential part of a larger team. This support system often includes family members, personal care aides, community socialization and care programs, healthcare providers, home maintenance personnel, and even respite care services. But most importantly, your team celebrates and includes the person living with illness. Great care partners embrace this teamwork, leveraging it to improve the quality of life for the person living with illness.

Focus on Abilities: Care partners work with the person living with illness, not for them. For example, if they love cooking but standing at the stove while using oxygen is unsafe, create a food prep station at the kitchen table. This way, they can assist as your sous chef while you handle the stovetop. You receive much appreciated help; they celebrate their autonomy and you both contribute to a delicious meal.

Shared Decision-Making: When appropriate, involve the person living with illness in decision making. For someone in the early stages of dementia, keep choices simple, i.e. “Would you like to go for a walk or watch TV today?” For those without cognitive decline, open-ended questions like “What would you like to do today?” may be more suitable.

By embracing the role of a care partner, you’re not just providing care—you’re building a winning team, celebrating independence, and making each day better for both you and your loved one.

5 P’s for Productive Medical Appointments

Do you have a doctor appointment coming up? Do you have a lot to explore but become speechless once you get there? With a little bit of practice, patience and preparation, you can now make your next medical appointment more productive. 

It’s as easy as the 5 Ps!

1. PREPARE

Get a notebook that’s dedicated to tracking your health. Use it to jot down ongoing medical concerns and update it with any questions you would like the doctor or provider to address at the next office visit.

2. PURPOSE

What’s the purpose of the visit? Is it just a routine check-up, or is it for something specific, like a new symptom? For sick visits, write down all the details in the notebook– when did it start, what makes it better or worse, and how has the illness changed over time? Knowledge is power, and a well-informed doctor is empowered to make more accurate diagnoses.

3. PICK

For routine check-ups, you and your loved one should pick no more than three important topics to discuss with the doctor. Make sure the top priority is #1 on the list, and again, write these down in your notebook.

4. PERMISSION

Ask the doctor for permission to record the medical encounter on your cell phone. If you are not sure how to do this, don’t hesitate to ask a friend or a family member for assistance, but do this ahead of time to maximize your time with the doctor. Grandchildren are so helpful with this!

5. PACK IT UP!

Finally, pack up all the medications you take, (even the non-prescription and “as-needed” ones) along with your notebook and get ready for a productive appointment! Put them in a visible spot (by the car keys, in a purse or with a jacket, in the car, etc) so you won’t leave them behind on the way to the appointment.

Just think, with the 5 Ps and a little bit of patience, future conversations with friends will be all about your productivity at the doctor’s office!

Productive or Fun? Why not make care partnering both!

Care partnering doesn't have to feel overwhelming, even when your calendar is already packed. With over 60% of us also employed, it is even more important that caregiving be fun and productive, for both the care partner and the person they care about.

Fore! When my dad could no longer go out and play 18 holes of golf anymore, we tapped into what he could do. I needed someone to teach me how to “putt for dough” for the upcoming golf tournament and he was the one who could show me how. With his guidance, we practiced putting in his home. His coaching helped me drop strokes from my score, and we both enjoyed a sense of accomplishment—all without ever setting foot on a golf course.

Break activities of daily living into smaller tasks that the person you care for can assist with. For example, enjoying dinner together involves steps like shopping, menu planning, cooking, setting the table, and cleaning up. Even though the person you care for may find preparing dinner overwhelming, perhaps they can assist with setting the table or cleaning up while you tackle the cooking . Together it all gets done and in half the time while you are having fun!

This month I am honored and grateful to be the featured guest contributor to Lifespan's "1-2-3 Weekly Caregiver Check-In"- Click on the Lifespan logo for your copy!

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For more information and to schedule a free consult call

"Dr. T" at (585)727-0235