Caregiving Basics
About what fraction of Americans are caregivers?
What is 1 in 4?
What sign might show that an older adult needs extra help, even if they don’t say so?
What is...Examples: poor hygiene, clutter, missed medications, weight loss, or confusion.
Who most often provides long-term care at home in the U.S.?
What are informal caregivers (family, friends, neighbors)?
Many families wait until a crisis to talk about future care. What’s one simple step caregivers can take early to make future decisions less stressful?
What is have open conversations with your loved one about their wishes before a crisis happens.
True or False: Abuse of older adults only happens in nursing homes.
What is False?
On average, how many hours per week do caregivers spend providing care?
What is 24 hours per week?
What government program helps connect people with local caregiving resources and services?
What is the Eldercare Locator?
What national program delivers nutritious meals to older adults in their homes?
What is Meals on Wheels?
What document can a person create to guide doctors and family about the medical treatments they do or do not want at the end of life?
What is an advance directive (also called a living will)?
Name one warning sign of elder abuse or neglect.
What is...Examples: unexplained bruises, poor hygiene, sudden financial loss, bedsores, withdrawal, unsafe living conditions.
What percent of adults who are not currently caregivers expect to provide care in the future?
What is 1 in 6 adults?
What type of written permission is usually required for caregivers to access a loved one’s medical information?
What is HIPAA authorization or Release of Information?
This type of care gives family caregivers a break while professionals step in temporarily.
What is respite care?
Caregivers are encouraged to help older adults choose someone they trust to make health care decisions if they can’t. What is this role called?
What is a health care proxy or medical power of attorney?
What’s one thing families can do to help prevent scams against older adults?
What is remind them never to give out personal or financial information over phone, email, or text.
What is the average age group most caregivers fall into?
What is middle-aged adults (often between 45–64)
Name one way long-distance caregivers can support loved ones.
What is...Examples: managing finances, arranging in-home care, ordering supplies, or coordinating information.
What type of service gives short daily visits from volunteers for support and companionship?
What are friendly visitor or senior companion services?
Planning ahead is not only about medical care. What is one other area families should prepare for, such as finances, housing, or legal matters?
What is...Examples: managing money, arranging future housing, or reviewing wills and insurance policies.
What’s one recommended self-care practice for caregivers to reduce stress?
What is...Examples: taking breaks, seeking support, exercise, counseling, or joining support groups.
Name at least 3 common tasks caregivers help with.
What is...Examples: medication management, transportation, meals, personal care, household chores, financial tasks, or medical decisions.
What national hotline can you call if someone is thinking about suicide or is in a mental health crisis?
What is 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline)?
Name two examples of technology that can improve safety for older adults living at home.
What is...Examples: emergency medical alert systems, fall monitors, GPS tracking devices, pill reminders, or telehealth tools.
Why is it important for caregivers and families to review and update care plans and legal documents regularly, instead of just creating them once?
What is because health needs, family situations, and preferences can change over time, and plans should reflect current wishes and circumstances.
Which type of service can provide emotional support and help caregivers talk through stress?
What is counseling from a mental health professional?