Tips From Veteran Caregivers

• Know what your needs are and clearly communicate them with your home health care team.
• Educate yourself on your child’s diagnosis, including the signs and symptoms of your child becoming ill.
• Have a list of “household dos and don’ts” and communicate them to your home health care team.
• Work with your home health care team to develop a schedule for your child so they can maintain a consistent routine.
• Use a dry erase or chalkboard to communicate and organize things like when to order new supplies.
• Educate your family, friends, and home health care team about how to comfort your child and other nuances.
• Accept help when it’s offered and use that time to rest and recharge your batteries.
• Keep a running list of questions for your physician so you aren’t forced to remember in the moment and no question is left unanswered.
• Maintain a calendar to help you plan all of your appointments, errands, and tasks.
• Reach out to other parents in your situation for support. They understand what you are going through.