Caring for Someone at Home: Resources On Getting It Right
Many people step into caregiving because there is no nearby service, or because the budget will not stretch. The surprise is not just the emotional weight; it is the operational complexity. You are not simply “helping out.” You are quietly running a system that requires judgment, logistics, hygiene, documentation, and rapid response—often with no training and very little sleep.
The good news is that you can prepare. Not perfectly, but meaningfully. The aim is to achieve a stable baseline: fewer avoidable emergencies, clearer decisions, and a rhythm that does not exhaust the caregiver.
Begin with a care map, not a general intention
Ridiculously easy yet vitally important: Write down the person’s real needs under two headings:
• Personal care (ADLs): bathing, dressing, toileting, transfers, eating
• Daily living (IADLs): meals, laundry, medications, transport, shopping, finances, appointments
Add two columns:
• Can do safely alone
• Needs equipment or another adult
This is where families often discover that the issue is not willingness—it is physics.
If you want structure, the National Institute on Aging offers caregiver worksheets that divide tasks in exactly this way and are both practical and easy to use.
Build a care binder before you need it at 2 a.m.
Whether it lives in a folder or a shared digital note, collect the essentials:
• Diagnoses, allergies, baseline abilities, vital trends if known
• Current medication list (including supplements), plus pharmacy contact
• Clinicians, clinics, and preferred hospital
• Insurance cards, policy numbers, Medicare/Medicaid details
• Emergency contacts, neighbours with a key, locksmith number
• Advance directives and who holds decision-making authority
This is not bureaucracy. It is time saved when time is expensive.
Make the home boringly safe
Falls are common, not dramatic. The CDC reports that roughly one in four adults over 65 falls each year, and falls are a leading cause of injury in older adults.
Start with the highest-yield changes:
• Remove loose rugs, cords, and clutter from pathways
• Improve lighting—especially stairs, hallways, and the route to the bathroom
• Install grab bars in the bath and near the toilet; ensure non-slip surfaces
• Confirm handrails are sturdy; keep frequently used items within easy reach
CDC’s STEADI “Check for Safety” checklist is an excellent room-by-room guide.
Standardize medications and appointments
Medication errors are common when routines are improvised. Choose one system and stick to it: a pill organizer with a written log, pharmacy blister packs, or both. Bring every medication—vitamins included—to periodic reviews with a pharmacist or clinician, especially if you notice dizziness, confusion, new falls, or sudden fatigue.
For appointments, stop relying on memory. Maintain two running lists:
• “What changed since last visit?”
• “What would make home safer next month?”
Clinicians respond better to crisp observations than to heroic narratives.
Adopt the mindset that actually scales: dignity, clarity, boundaries
Home care works best when everyone understands the rules of the household.
Two statements prevent a surprising amount of conflict:
• “I will help you, but I will not do it in a way that injures either of us.”
• “We will choose the plan now, instead of an emergency choosing it for us.”
You are not confiscating autonomy. You are replacing uncertainty with a plan.
Establish legal and medical authority early
In a crisis, affection is not the same as authority.
At a minimum, discuss advance directives. The National Institute on Aging summarizes the common forms, including living wills and durable powers of attorney for health care.
For those with serious illness or frailty, Montana recognizes POLST, a medical order that records preferences for life-sustaining treatment and follows the patient across settings.
Know when “DIY” is too much and bring in targeted help
There is no shame in outsourcing the hard and highest-risk tasks. Consider professional support if you see:
• Falls, near-falls, or unsafe transfers
• Incontinence that cannot be managed cleanly and calmly
• Dementia behaviours that compromise safety: wandering, agitation, refusal of medications
• Skin breakdown, weight loss, dehydration, repeated infections
• Caregiver strain: back injuries, chronic sleep loss, rising irritability, missed work
A good service does not replace family. It removes the sharp edges.
Resources for Support in Montana:
Montana: Area Agency on Aging helpline: (800) 551-3191
National: Eldercare Locator: 1-800-677-1116
Missoula: Missoula Aging Services: (406) 728-7682
If you are local and want a calm, professional assessment of what is truly required, Templar’s Hearth can help you translate good intentions into a workable plan and take on the tasks that most often place families at risk. Please call and set up a one-time consultation to help you and your loved one stay steady.
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Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)
• Bathing — Independent / Needs supervision / Needs assistance
• Dressing — Independent / Needs supervision / Needs assistance
• Toileting — Independent / Needs supervision / Needs assistance
• Transfers — Independent / Needs supervision / Needs assistance
• Eating — Independent / Needs supervision / Needs assistance
• Mobility — Independent / Needs supervision / Needs assistance
Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs)
• Meal preparation — Independent / Needs some help / Cannot perform safely
• Medication management — Independent / Needs cues / Requires full assistance
• Housekeeping — Independent / Needs some help / Cannot perform safely
• Transportation — Independent / Needs accompaniment / Cannot travel safely
• Finances — Independent / Needs oversight / Requires full assistance
• Appointments — Independent / Needs help / Requires full supportescription text goes here
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Entryways & Hallways
• Remove loose rugs and cords
• Improve lighting along walking paths
Bathroom
• Install grab bars
• Use non-slip mats
• Consider a shower chair
Bedroom
• Night lighting to bathroom
• Bed height suitable for safe standing
Living Areas
• Clear pathways
• Avoid low, soft chairs
• Stabilise flooring transitions
Stairs
• Handrails on both sides
• Bright lighting at top and bottom
Footwear
• Closed-back, non-skid shoes
Medication & Vision
• Review medications that increase fall risk
• Schedule regular eye examscription text goes here