Tips for Building a Care Team

• Put together a care team as soon as possible.
• Start accepting help while your loved one is still hospitalized. When someone volunteers to mow the lawn or bring food, don’t say “No.” Say “thank you.”
• List all of the tasks that need to be done on daily, weekly or monthly bases. Remember you will have your hands full taking care of your loved one and your community is eager to help. Here are some suggestions to get you started:

- grocery shopping
- housekeeping
- laundry
- cooking
- yard work
- doctor appointments
- trips to therapy
- socializing with your loved one (reading, art projects, walks)
- medication organization

Plan and schedule help with each task. Here are some ideas:

• Register for task scheduling services at www.lotsahelpinghands.com, a free website that allows you to build a Web-based community of support. It is simple to use and allows family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers to schedule themselves for the tasks they wish to manage. All you have to do is enter the tasks or even assign someone to do that part.
• Buy or make a calendar (if you are computer savvy Outlook is a good option) with tasks, and as people call or come by you can ask them to volunteer and schedule them. Leave the calendar with a sign requesting visitors to review the needs and put their name next to the task they are willing to help with.
• Ask one person to own the task of volunteers.
• Ask for help. I know it isn’t easy to ask for help or even to think of the right people to ask, but people in your community will offer. Don’t be too embarrassed or proud to accept.