Step 1: YOUR TIME, YOUR TALENT
Determine how much time you may have to devote and in what ways you can contribute most by using your talents and skills. Lighten the load of the caregiver with your unique abilities.
Step 2: DETERMINE YOUR AREA OF INTEREST
There are many areas in which you can help. Caregivers often need help with basic daily tasks, doing chores around the house, grocery shopping or getting their loved ones to medical appointments. Besides assisting with these tasks, you might consider helping a caregiver in a variety of other areas. Check out the Tip Sheets in this guide for ideas on how to help a caregiver:
Navigate public benefits: Help someone find and understand federal, state and private programs that help cover the costs of food, medicine and utilities for the caregiver or the care recipient.
- Find transportation
- Perform home safety updates
- Adopt healthy behaviors
- Manage health and medication records
Simply distributing the Tip Sheets in the guide is a great way to help others.
Step 3: SHARE THIS INFORMATION WITH THE CAREGIVER
No matter how you choose to help, the information in this kit could be of interest to your friend who is a caregiver. Share the Tip Sheets and offer to review them together.
Step 4: AGREE TO A FIRST STEP
Offer to help in some small way and then check in to see if more help is of interest. If you begin to help more often, try to plan a regular schedule. Keeping designated times improves quality of life for the caregiver and the person receiving care. If the caregiver knows you’re dependable, he or she can plan outings, doctor visits, rest and renewal times and even fun activities.
Step 5: INSPIRE OTHERS ON CREATETHEGOOD.ORG!
TELL US WHAT YOU DID!
We want to hear stories (www.CreateTheGood.org/stories) about how you helped give back to your community. You just might inspire others to do the same.
KEEP UP THE GOOD!
Remember, whether you’ve got five minutes, five hours or five days, you can make a positive impact in your community. And if you have more time, consider organizing another service activity, finding local opportunities and posting your events at www.CreateTheGood.org.
