With advancing age, some older people will develop frailty and disability, a combined effect of the ageing process and health experiences as well as chronic diseases.
The journey of a caregiver can sometimes begin unexpectedly and tumultuously, particularly in sudden onset of illness of the older person with little time to prepare for the caregiving role.
Caregivers are often so involved in meeting the needs of their charges that they lose sight of their own wellbeing. This is a self-evaluation you can take.
A brief list of numbers and websites
You should maintain a health folder with all the vital information and medical health records for anyone to whom you are giving care, including yourself. To serve its purpose, the health folder would have these:
• Patient’s Personal Data and List of Contacts
• List of Medical Issues
• Medication List
• Health Screening Results