Providing care for an aging loved one is no doubt an act of love. But, it’s also a marathon that can feel impossible for any couple to run alone, let alone a single person. The emotional and physical toll of caregiving is real, and unfortunately, research indicates that 78% of adults receiving long-term care at home rely exclusively on family and friends, while only 14% have a combination of professional and family help. Without the support from professionals, other family, and friends, caregivers face an increased risk of chronic stress and their own failing health.
The solution for these lone caregivers isn’t to work harder—it’s to work smarter by assembling a caregiving team. Moving from a solo operation to a team approach ensures your loved one receives comprehensive care while allowing you to avoid burnout. Both you and your loved one can begin to thrive when supported by a team, but how do you start to build a skilled and reliable caregiving family? Here’s what to know.
Start by Identifying Potential Team Members
One of the hardest things for caregivers to accept is often the help of others. In fact, a UK-based survey of 8,000 caregivers found that 20% don’t want to accept help since they would feel like a burden, and another 14% don’t want to be seen as unable to cope.
If you’re feeling alone and isolated as a caregiver, there’s nothing wrong with expanding your team of caregivers. Even if you want to only reach out to close family and friends, being able to identify who you want in your family’s circle and accepting help is the first step toward unburdening yourself. Here are some potential people to include in the loop.
Extended Family Members
When people think of family members, they often think of immediate members like siblings or grandchildren. But what about nieces, nephews, or even out-of-state relatives? Even more distant relatives can be a help when it comes to doing daily phone calls, or checking in to make sure your aging loved one is doing well. Don’t hesitate to reach out and involve extended family members who are often overlooked as potential helpers.
Friends and Neighbors
From family friends to neighbors, church members, or other community members, involving these people can provide support and relief. These individuals may be more than willing to offer their time, resources, or just a listening ear when you need it most. Even small things like checking to see that your loved one’s mail is brought in, or that their home is secure, can take tasks off your plate that add more stress throughout the day.
Support Groups
Caregiving can often feel like a lonely journey, but the truth is that many others are going through similar experiences. Joining a support group, whether in person or online, can help give you an avenue to vent even if family or friends aren’t available. Support groups are also a great way to brainstorm who to ask for more help and
Assessing Skills and Availability
Once you’ve identified who wants to help and is available for your loved one, it’s time to start identifying their strengths. Not everyone is cut out for hands-on medical care, and that’s okay. For instance, an elderly neighbor might be a great resource to call your loved one, while a younger neighborhood volunteer can help clean or maintain your aging loved one’s property.
Even someone who’s a great conversationalist can be a team member, allowing you and your aging loved one space to vent. Look at your list and ask: What is this person good at?
- The Organizer: Good with spreadsheets and scheduling? They can manage appointments and the care calendar.
- The Hands-on Helper: Comfortable with physical tasks? They might help with groceries, light housekeeping, or transportation.
- The Empath: Great listener? They can provide companionship and emotional support to your loved one.
Remember, every caregiver can play a role to help you unload, no matter how big or small.
Consider Time Commitments When Scheduling Help
Be realistic about availability. A neighbor might be available for 15 minutes every morning, while a sibling might only be able to commit to one weekend a month. Understanding these constraints upfront can help you schedule ahead and assign tasks as needed. Every second counts when you’re providing round-the-clock care for your loved one.
Consider Using Outside Help
Family and friends are the foundation, but complex care needs often require professional reinforcement. Don’t hesitate to bring in experts to handle technical, legal, or medical aspects of care.
Financial Planner
The cost of long-term care can be staggering. A financial planner can help navigate the complexities of savings, insurance, and budget forecasting to ensure you and your loved one’s funds last as long as possible.
Elder Law Attorney
Legal preparedness is essential. An elder law attorney can assist with drafting powers of attorney, health care directives, and estate planning, ensuring your loved one’s wishes are legally protected.
Social Worker
Social workers are invaluable for navigating the bureaucratic maze of government aid. They can connect you with federal, state, and local resources, including Medicaid, housing assistance, and community support programs, to help provide financial and emotional relief.
In-Home Care and Residential Facilities
Sometimes, the best way to support the team is to hire help. In-home care aides can provide assistance with bathing, dressing, and medication management. Adult day care offers socialization and supervision during work hours.
If your loved one’s needs eventually exceed what can be provided at home, you may need to consider a residential care facility for the elderly (RCFE). For example, facilities like Present Moments Senior Living in San Diego specialize in providing 24-hour care in a supportive, close-knit, and caring environment.
Maintaining Communication
A team only functions well if everyone is on the same page. Poor communication can lead to missed medications, double-booked appointments, or lost care opportunities for your loved one. Fortunately, today’s technology offers tons of ways and methods you can keep in touch with your care team.
Schedule Regular Meetings
Schedule periodic family meetings (in-person or via video call) to discuss the care plan. Use this time to update the team on the loved one’s health status, discuss what is working well, and adjust the schedule as needed. If you can’t meet in person, take advantage of apps like Slack, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or other video messaging systems. Many of these are free and can make a world of difference when planning ahead for your loved one.
Use Online Communication Tools
Technology makes coordination easier. Use group chat apps or group texts for quick updates and shared calendar apps (like Google Calendar) to track appointments. There are also specific caregiving apps designed to centralize tasks, updates, and medication schedules.
Empowering Your Care Team
Building a caregiving team is one of the most proactive and protective steps you can take for your loved one. It transforms an overwhelming burden into a manageable, shared responsibility. By identifying the right people, leveraging professional resources, and maintaining open lines of communication, you ensure that your loved one receives the best possible care.
Don’t wait for a crisis to ask for help. Start assessing your network today, reach out to potential team members, and build a circle of support that provides peace of mind for you and your loved one.
Mark Gladden is the Founder and CEO of Present Moments Senior Living, a cozy and comfortable family-run Board and Care in San Diego. Mark is also a U.S. Veteran who has been serving the recovery community of San Diego for a decade. As Founder and CEO of Present Moments Senior Living, he has helped countless families access high-quality care for their aging loved ones. If you or an aging loved one are looking for compassionate assisted living in San Diego, call Present Moments Senior Living at (442) 232-2824 or visit their website at https://presentmomentsseniorliving.com/.
