Caregiver Toolkit

Customize

Feel free to modify them to fit your specific situation and your loved one's unique needs and preferences.

Keep Accessible

Keep them in a binder, on your refrigerator, or in a visible place for daily reference and quick lookup.

Update Regularly

Update checklists and trackers regularly as your loved one's condition and medications change over time.

Comfort Care Quick Guide

Easy-to-understand basics for keeping your loved one comfortable. Covers positioning and turning, mouth care and hydration, skin care and pressure sores, managing fever, sleep support, and sensory comfort.

Emergency Response Plan

Know what to do in crisis situations—when to call hospice vs. 911. Includes important phone numbers, red flags that need immediate attention, what happens if you go to hospital, and how to stay calm in emergencies.

Caregiver Self-Care Guide

Taking care of yourself while caring for your loved one. Covers managing fatigue and rest, physical exercise and movement, stress management techniques, asking for help, processing grief, and finding support.

Keep everything in one place

Use a caregiving binder or folder where family members can easily find important information, checklists, and medical documents.

Share with your hospice team

Show your symptom tracker and medication log to the hospice nurse at visits. This helps them provide better care and spot important patterns.

Ask for help

Don't hesitate to ask family members, friends, or your hospice team for support with any aspect of caregiving.

Take breaks

Use respite care options so you can get rest and take care of yourself. Caregiving is exhausting and breaks are essential.

Remember your own needs

Caregiving is exhausting. Make self-care a priority, not a luxury. Your health matters for both you and your loved one.