Being a caregiver can be rewarding and allow you to become closer to your loved one. It can, too, be very exhausting and stressful. Disorganization can happen very easily, leading to more stress.
1) Cordless Telephone
A cordless phone is such a small item, but a big help. Answer the phone from anywhere in the house and it even allows patient/loved to use the phone regardless of where they are resting. I recommend one that has two phones, so one can be charged while the other is in use.
2) Memory Minder Personal Health Journal
This journal allows you to record medications given, temperatures, and other necessary record keeping for patients and caregivers. I like this one because it is very thorough with a low price.
3) Day Planner
Invest in a good day planner. You can keep appointments organized, telephone numbers, and everything you need related to organizing care schedules in a day planner.
4) Cell Phone
Having a cell phone with a broad coverage area is very important. You can contact people from outside the hospital or doctor's office, call your destination if you are lost, etc. The reasons for having a cell phone are endless, especially when you are a caregiver.
5) Palm Pilot
If you are electronic savvy, a palm pilot may be your best bet over a day planner. You can upload or download information from your PC, which can makes things less hectic if you lose information.
6) Thermometer
A good thermometer is worth more than gold. After surgery or during chemotherapy, a change in temperature can indicate infection. Infection can be deadly if left untreated in cancer patients. A thermometer will be one of the first things you should have on hand at the house.
7) Have a Backup Caregiver
We all need downtime; a break from the norm. Caregiving is a 24 hour a day, 7 days a week job on top of normal responsibilities. It is important to have someone who can cover a shift, even if it's just for an hour or two. You must take care of yourself to take care of someone else.
