| Long distance Cancer Caregivers envision the | | | | - Assemble a list of possible neighbors or |
| future to stay ahead of the developing situation. | | | | acquaintances who may be available to assist with |
| Being proactive will help reduce problems and | | | | cutting and dispensing medications, if necessary. |
| dangerous situations. | | | | - There are a number of devices available to |
| 1. Inspect the living quarters for safety issues. | | | | assist with the dispensing of medications. |
| Plan repairs for items needing attention. If your | | | | - Prepare a week's worth of medication in |
| loved one is elderly or becomes weak from their | | | | pre-labeled pill dispensers, if your loved one is well |
| condition, this will become more of an issue. Price | | | | enough to keep track of when they are taking |
| and plan for installation of safety items, if needed. | | | | the meds. |
| Bathroom concerns to be examined include: | | | | 4. You may need to determine your loved one's |
| - Bathtub or shower seats | | | | financial situation. |
| - Grips on the bottom of the tub or shower for | | | | - This can be a delicate matter. Handle it with |
| stability | | | | care. |
| - Grab bars in bathroom by toilet and in tub | | | | - Explain your need to know. You don't want your |
| shower | | | | loved one to think you are after their money. |
| - Is a walk-in shower needed? | | | | - Where are the important documents kept? |
| - Repair leaky faucets and pipes to avoid wet, | | | | - Can your loved one self-pay? |
| slippery floors | | | | - Will your loved one need financial assistance? |
| To avoid falls and injuries, assess the following trip | | | | - Do you know the whereabouts of your loved |
| and fall hazards: | | | | one's financial documents, if they become very ill? |
| - Loose carpet and linoleum tiles | | | | - How will the bills be handled if your loved one is |
| - Worn stairways | | | | temporarily not well enough to deal with this? |
| - Electrical cords in dangerous places | | | | - When are the bills due each month? |
| 2. Provide Lifeline for medical emergencies and | | | | - Does anyone have the Power of Attorney, if |
| falls, if necessary. | | | | necessary? |
| - Provides a bracelet or necklace to be worn by | | | | 5. Does your loved one have any special |
| the individual. | | | | insurance? |
| - Provides a call button for emergency assistance. | | | | - Health insurance |
| - Provides an orderly in-place "system" for | | | | - Long-term Care plan |
| obtaining assistance during medical emergencies | | | | - Cancer plans, sometimes called "Cancer |
| when the patient can't get to the phone to call for | | | | Insurance". Some of these will provide specific |
| help. | | | | funds for a caregiver to travel to be near the |
| 3. Will your loved one need someone to manage | | | | patient. These plans are completely independent |
| their medications? | | | | of health insurance. |
| - Assemble a list of current medications and | | | | - Medicare |
| instructions. | | | | - Medicaid |
| - If your loved one is elderly, can they open the | | | | Being a long distance Cancer Caregiver is not |
| medication containers without assistance? | | | | without challenges. Facing the future with planning |
| - Do any medications need to be cut in half or | | | | and preparation help the caregiver and the patient |
| quarters? | | | | feel more confident and in control. Cancer |
| - Local pharmacies have pill-cutters you can | | | | Caregivers operating from a distance will want to |
| purchase at a small price. (Depending on their age | | | | learn to deal with their challenges in a positive and |
| and condition, your loved one may need help with | | | | proactive way. |
| this.) | | | | |