Family Caregiver Support Checklist
Essential resources and support systems for family members caring for elderly loved ones.
Caregiver Support Notice
Family caregiving can be rewarding but challenging. Taking care of yourself is essential to providing quality care for your loved one. This checklist helps you build a support system and maintain your own well-being.
Building Your Support Network
Essential
Create a strong support system for caregiving
Family Support Team
- ☐ Identify other family members who can help
- ☐ Create a family care schedule and rotation
- ☐ Assign specific responsibilities to each person
- ☐ Set up regular family meetings about care
- ☐ Establish clear communication channels
- ☐ Create backup plans for emergencies
- ☐ Document care preferences and routines
- ☐ Share important contact information
Professional Support Services
- ☐ Research local home health agencies
- ☐ Find adult day care programs
- ☐ Locate respite care services
- ☐ Connect with geriatric care managers
- ☐ Find transportation services
- ☐ Research meal delivery programs
- ☐ Identify housekeeping services
- ☐ Find medical equipment suppliers
Community Resources
- ☐ Join local caregiver support groups
- ☐ Connect with Area Agency on Aging
- ☐ Find faith-based support programs
- ☐ Research volunteer services
- ☐ Locate senior centers and programs
- ☐ Find caregiver education classes
- ☐ Connect with disease-specific organizations
- ☐ Research government assistance programs
Caregiver Self-Care
Critical
Maintain your own health and well-being
Physical Health
- ☐ Schedule regular medical checkups
- ☐ Maintain exercise routine
- ☐ Eat nutritious meals regularly
- ☐ Get adequate sleep (7-8 hours)
- ☐ Take breaks throughout the day
- ☐ Practice proper lifting techniques
- ☐ Stay hydrated
- ☐ Manage your own medications
Mental & Emotional Health
- ☐ Practice stress management techniques
- ☐ Consider counseling or therapy
- ☐ Maintain social connections
- ☐ Set realistic expectations
- ☐ Practice mindfulness or meditation
- ☐ Keep a journal
- ☐ Engage in hobbies you enjoy
- ☐ Ask for help when needed
Time Management
- ☐ Create daily and weekly schedules
- ☐ Prioritize essential tasks
- ☐ Delegate responsibilities
- ☐ Use technology for reminders
- ☐ Plan for respite time
- ☐ Organize important documents
- ☐ Prepare for emergencies
- ☐ Schedule personal time
Respite Care Planning
Plan for regular breaks and time away from caregiving
Short-Term Respite (Hours/Days)
- ☐ Arrange family member coverage
- ☐ Hire professional caregivers
- ☐ Use adult day care programs
- ☐ Coordinate with friends and neighbors
- ☐ Utilize volunteer services
- ☐ Plan regular weekly breaks
- ☐ Schedule personal appointments
- ☐ Take time for social activities
Long-Term Respite (Weeks)
- ☐ Research respite care facilities
- ☐ Plan extended family visits
- ☐ Arrange temporary live-in care
- ☐ Consider short-term facility stays
- ☐ Plan vacations and getaways
- ☐ Schedule medical procedures
- ☐ Take time for major life events
- ☐ Plan for caregiver recovery time
Emergency Support System
Prepare for caregiving emergencies and crises
Emergency Contacts
- ☐ Primary care physician
- ☐ Specialists and therapists
- ☐ Hospital and emergency services
- ☐ Pharmacy and medical suppliers
- ☐ Family members and friends
- ☐ Professional caregivers
- ☐ Geriatric care manager
- ☐ Insurance companies
Crisis Planning
- ☐ Create medical emergency plan
- ☐ Prepare caregiver illness backup
- ☐ Plan for care recipient hospitalization
- ☐ Organize important documents
- ☐ Prepare medication lists
- ☐ Create care instruction sheets
- ☐ Plan for natural disasters
- ☐ Establish power of attorney
Warning Signs of Caregiver Burnout
Physical Signs
- • Chronic fatigue
- • Frequent illness
- • Sleep problems
- • Weight changes
- • Headaches
Emotional Signs
- • Feeling overwhelmed
- • Irritability or anger
- • Depression or anxiety
- • Loss of interest
- • Feeling isolated
Behavioral Signs
- • Neglecting own needs
- • Social withdrawal
- • Increased substance use
- • Difficulty concentrating
- • Impatience with care recipient
Caregiver Resources & Support
National Resources
- • National Alliance for Caregiving
- • Family Caregiver Alliance
- • AARP Caregiving Resource Center
- • Alzheimer's Association
- • National Institute on Aging
- • Caregiver Action Network
- • Well Spouse Association
- • National Respite Network
Local Resources
- • Area Agency on Aging
- • Local hospitals and health systems
- • Community senior centers
- • Faith-based organizations
- • Support groups and meetups
- • Volunteer organizations
- • Adult day care centers
- • Home health agencies