It is not possible to plan for all the circumstances you and your family member may experience with the health care system. Remember to:
- Ask many questions and avoid assumptions about care and treatment. Make sure you understand your options and details about care and treatment.
- Whenever possible, prepare yourself before contact with health care providers. Write down questions, issues or concerns you or the care receiver might have. Be an active participant.
- Be clear about the care receiver’s needs. Be clear about what you are realistically able to do yourself. Be sure you are not agreeing to take on too much.
- Keep track of the people you talk to and how to contact them. Take notes about what you agree upon and make clear these statements with the person involved.
- Whenever possible, get instructions in writing (i.e., regarding medication, treatment specifics, etc.)
- Take good care of yourself. Being in the hospital can be stressful for you and the care receiver. Be sure you maintain your regular eating, sleeping and exercise patterns and try to build in time to relax.
Adapted from: Family Caregivers' Network Society, Resource Guide for Family Caregivers, 2006.