Caregiving can be difficult and stressful. You may feel overwhelmed and unsure of where to turn. Planning ahead for your loved one and caring for yourself is crucial.
Before Caregiving:
• Have open communication with your loved one about their wishes and caregiving resources.
• Make sure your loved ones have advance directives and documentation of their medical and financial wishes. Visit theconversationproject.org to get started.
• Connect with caregiving resources to begin planning and to learn what support is available.
• Talk to your loved one’s primary care provider.
• Plan ahead for when caregiving becomes necessary.
During Caregiving
• If you haven’t already, connect with caregiving resources and take action early to plan for how you will care for your loved one now and as their condition worsens.
• Continue the conversation with your loved one about wishes and caregiving resources.
• Talk to your loved one’s primary care provider.
• Gather resources and accept help from family and friends.
• Remember to take care of yourself too!
Medical Resources:
Primary care provider: for all medical concerns and preventive visits
Urgent care: if after hours and a non-life threatening medical issue exists or if you cannot be seen by the primary care provider
Emergency Department: ONLY if a true medical emergency or life-threatening medical emergency exists. The emergency department is not the appropriate place
to visit when seeking out alternative care solutions or facility placement for your loved one. Help and facility placement can be provided proactively while your loved one is still at home.
Planning & Support Resources
Carroll County Bureau of Aging & Disabilities
125 Stoner Avenue Westminster, MD 21157
410-386-3800 | carrollcountymd.gov/aging-and-disabilities
Care Connect Health Navigation Services at
Carroll Hospital
410-871-7000 | lifebridgehealth.org/careconnect
Planning Ahead is Key!
Talk to your healthcare provider, contact the Carroll County Bureau of Aging & Disabilities and a health navigator before or early in your loved one’s journey to be prepared.
