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Tips for Building Your Network
of Help
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To get started, make a list of your family’s
current network of support. This includes other family
member, neighbors, friends, people at church, community
volunteers, co-workers, licensed agencies, etc.
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Next, decide who you are willing to let
help you and those who will probably help if asked to do
so.
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Next, make a list of the things you need
help with, how often, and when. Determine what
you need help with today, and in the future. What would
make things easier for you as this person continues to
need help over time?
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Next, match the task with someone on
your list you feel comfortable doing the task. Some
tasks involving the care of the person might need
services that are covered under health care or home and
community based-service programs. If so, visit: www.MinnesotaHelp.infoTM
or contact the Senior LinkAge Line at 1-800-333-2433 or
a Long-term
Care Consultant at your local county to talk about
these options.
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Keep your "help list" taped to
the refrigerator. Give a copy to those who offer to
help. And, start contacting those on your list who haven’t
yet offered, but who probably could help you.
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Revise your list from time to time, and
at least as your needs change.
Need Assistance Putting Together Your Network of Help?
Complete the Community
Planning Interview or call the Senior LinkAge
Line ® at 1-800-333-2433 for individual help.
Things Caregivers Commonly Need Help With
- Household chores and maintenance for you or the care
receiver
- Meals, rides, errands, or grocery shopping
- Professional information and/or advice (e.g., legal,
financial planning, nursing, home adaptations, disease
information, etc.)
- Social visits or companionship
- Transferring or moving your family member
- Obtaining medical supplies and equipment
- Home adaptations
- Insurance paperwork
- Patient advocacy
- Physical care of the older person
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