Creating and Managing an Informal Care Team

Overview

Creating a Care Team is a good way to help you manage your caregiving responsibilities. Care Teams can assist with things like running errands, cooking meals, doing laundry, helping out with housework or yardwork, and even planning recreation activities. Informal Care Teams can include siblings, children, spouses, friends, neighbors, etc.

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Preparation and Items to Consider

1. Accept that you can't "do it all" and think of ways in which you can reach out for help from friends and family.
2. Explain to your loved one that you have decided to create a Care Team.
3. Include your loved one as you build your Care Team. Make sure the your loved one is comfortable with those you have chosen as Team Members, and arrange for meetings with those Team Members who your loved one does not know.
4. Clearly explain what you expect of your Team Members, and give them an idea of how much of their time will be needed.
5. Help Team Members to identify their interests and strengths and select tasks based on this.
6. Work together to create a schedule of when different tasks will be completed, taking in consideration your needs, as well as the needs of your loved one and the Care Team.
7. Explain that being a part of the Care Team means that everyone must participate in scheduled tasks. In the event that something comes up and Team Members are unable to assist with a task, they will be expected to notify you as soon as possible.
8. Check in with your Care Team Members regularly and make adjustments to schedules and tasks as needed.
9. Consider having Team meetings that include all of the Team Members.
10. Let your Care Team know how much you appreciate their help and support.
11. Understand and respect that a Team Member may decide that he/she can no longer assist you.

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