We found this list on the Ohio Department of Aging’s website along with resources for help. Many times people are caregivers and don’t realize it. Taking care of a friend, loved one or neighbor can happen overnight or over weeks and months. It’s difficult to ask for help if you don’t realize you need it.
10 Questions That Can Change Your Life
(and the lives of the people in it)
- Do you find yourself becoming more involved in the life of an aging or ill loved one, friend or neighbor?
- Do you feel like you have swapped roles with a parent, spouse or other family member?
- Do you help a loved one, friend or neighbor with chores like cleaning, grocery shopping, cooking or transportation?
- Do you help a loved one, friend or neighbor with daily activities, such as bathing, dressing and eating?
- Do you help a loved one, friend or neighbor manage his finances, file insurance claims or pay bills?
- Does a loved one, friend or neighbor have a physical or mental condition that is newly diagnosed or has worsened and that does or may affect her ability to take care of herself ?
- Do you find yourself becoming an authority on the abilities and limitations of a loved one, friend or neighbor?
- Do you skip meals or forgo exercise because a loved one, friend or neighbor needs you?
- Have you ever postponed or canceled a medical appointment or procedure for yourself so that you could be with a loved one, friend or neighbor?
- Are you a caregiver?
According to the National Family Caregivers Association, more than 90 percent of people who recognize themselves as caregivers become more proactive, engaged and confident, and provide better care.
Additional questions to consider:
- Do your responsibilities for your loved one prevent you from getting together with family and friends?
- Have you ever called off work or gone in late because a loved one, friend or neighbor needed you?
- Do you sometimes wish that someone could help tend to your loved one’s, friend’s or neighbor’s needs so you can have a break?
- Do your expenses for your loved one’s medical or functional needs cause hardship on yourself or your family?
- Do you find yourself paying more attention to the health and well-being of a loved one, friend or neighbor than to your wellness?
FOR MORE INFORMATION
