The faucet in my guest bathroom shower is broken. It simply won’t turn on. Do I have a toolbox? Sure do! Do I have any idea if any of those tools will fix the problem? Nope. I have a toolbox full of tools – hammer, screwdriver, nails, and pliers. In a pinch, for a small problem, some of these tools might work. But they are the generic tools of a survivor. They aren’t the tools I need to fix my faucet. I WISH I had a toolbox labeled “faucet fixer.” One in which I can fling open the top and “poof” there is everything I need to fix the problem myself. Once I’ve “YouTubed” and experimented and finally called the plumber that I’m avoiding calling, I will likely be able to build that toolbox. But right now. I don’t have a clue.
Caregiving can be exactly like this. Once you’ve been the caretaker for one person, you might be able to create a “toolbox” of resources that will help you next time. However, if this is your first time as a caretaker, you may need help putting together that toolbox.
Today, I want to provide you with a few tools to start your Caregiver Toolbox. This Toolbox should be a resource for you when you run into an issue in which you need support. We cannot be experts in everything, so it’s always good to have a box of tools that will help guide us in the right direction.
Caregiver Toolbox
Your health while Caregiving: How to Stay Fit with Go4Life
Resource for good cognitive health: The Healthy Brain Initiative
How to prevent falls: The STEADI Program
Understanding depression in older adults: Free SAMHSA Publication