Caregiver Best Practices

Version: 0.1.1 | Last Updated: 2026-01-07

Wisdom from Experienced Caregivers

These tips come from caregivers who've walked this path before you. Every situation is different, but these principles help.

Communication

Lead with Empathy

• Instead of: "You forgot your medication again!"
• Try: "I noticed a dose was missed. Is there something making it hard to remember?"

Preserve Dignity

• Your loved one is still an adult making their own choices
• Offer help, don't demand compliance
• Celebrate their efforts, not just outcomes

Regular Check-Ins

• Daily brief touchpoints work better than weekly long calls
• "How are you feeling?" opens more doors than "Did you take your pills?"
• Listen for what's unsaid

Organization

Create Systems That Work

1. Consistent location — Medications always in the same spot
2. Consistent time — Link doses to existing routines
3. Visual cues — Pill organizers, notes on the mirror
4. Digital backup — CareForMeds catches what slips through

The "Medication Station"

Set up a dedicated spot with:

• All current medications
• Pill organizer
• Glass of water
• Written schedule (large print)
• CareForMeds on a tablet (optional)

Weekly Medication Prep

Every Sunday:

1. Fill the pill organizer for the week
2. Check inventory levels
3. Submit refill requests if needed
4. Review the coming week's schedule

Logging Best Practices

Log Immediately

• Memory is unreliable — log right after the dose
• Takes 5 seconds, saves hours of uncertainty
• "Did I take that?" becomes "Let me check the app"

Be Honest

• Log missed doses as missed
• Accurate data helps identify patterns
• No one is judging — the goal is improvement

Use Notes

• "Took with food" — helpful for side effects
• "Complained of dizziness" — worth mentioning to doctor
• "Resisted taking" — pattern to discuss

Safety

The Five Rights (Every Time)

1. Right patient
2. Right medication
3. Right dose
4. Right time
5. Right route

Never

• ❌ Double up after a missed dose (without doctor approval)
• ❌ Crush medications unless approved
• ❌ Mix medications from different patients
• ❌ Use expired medications
• ❌ Leave medications where confused patients can access freely

High-Alert Medications

Extra care with:

• Blood thinners (Warfarin, Eliquis)
• Insulin and diabetes medications
• Opioid pain medications
• Heart medications (Digoxin)
• Seizure medications

Long-Distance Caregiving

Stay Connected

• Daily app check at a set time
• Video medication reviews weekly
• Coordinate with local helpers

Build a Local Team

• Neighbor who can check in
• Professional caregiver for daily visits
• Pharmacy that delivers
• Transportation for appointments

Emergency Preparation

• List of medications on the fridge
• Emergency contacts posted
• Medical alert bracelet considered
• Hospital bag packed (just in case)

Working with Healthcare Providers

Be Prepared

• Print medication list before appointments
• Bring adherence reports from CareForMeds
• Write down questions in advance
• Take notes during the visit

Be an Advocate

• Speak up about side effects
• Ask about simplifying the regimen
• Request generic options if cost is a barrier
• Don't leave confused — ask for clarification

Follow Up

• Update CareForMeds immediately after changes
• Fill new prescriptions promptly
• Schedule the next appointment before leaving

Managing Your Own Wellbeing

Set Boundaries

• You can't be available 24/7
• It's okay to have your own life
• Ask for help from other family members

Avoid Burnout

• Take breaks — even short ones help
• Accept that you can't control everything
• Perfection isn't the goal

Find Support

• Caregiver support groups
• Online communities
• Professional counseling
• Respite care services

Celebrate Small Wins

• A week of good adherence
• Successfully navigating a doctor visit
• Your loved one thanking you
• Just making it through a hard day

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Remember

• You're doing your best, and that's enough
• Bad days don't erase good ones
• Your loved one is lucky to have you
• This is hard work, and it matters

See Also

• Managing Loved Ones — Daily tasks
• Family Dashboard — Using the app
• Quick Reference — Cheat sheet