The caregiver should use these records when reporting to the doctor. The doctor should inform the patient and caregiver of any local resources that may be of assistance to them, including information about medical supplies, durable medical equipment, home-health agencies, and sources of caregiver support. If the patient no longer has the capacity to make these decisions, the doctor should encourage the surrogate to prepare the documents. Many of the services and supports listed here are available at no cost to patients with a life expectancy of six months or less who opt for palliative rather than curative therapies. The doctor, or someone who works with the doctor, must speak with the caregiver on a regular basis.
Most people question their adequacy in providing care to a sick or disabled family member or friend.
The doctor must let the caregiver know that his or her contribution is valuable and much appreciated. A word of thanks from the doctor helps sustain the morale of the caregiver. The doctor should also check to see that the caregiver is getting enough rest and adequate relief from other family or professional caregivers. For book and ordering information, please see our Publications page.