What’s Your Caregiving Map?
What’s Your Caregiving Map?
When we’re taking a journey, we often begin by looking at maps. They give us information about size, terrain, and difficulty. Sometimes we travel alone, but we also find enjoyment and safety in numbers. It’s like that with caregiving.
As a therapist, my first session with a client began by our building their family tree. As we talked, I sketched the structure and people involved. We identified relationships, patterns, and connections. It gave us a mental picture of a story and a way to understand the dynamics.
Working with caregivers, I discovered a helpful tool, a Care Map. This tool gives us a flexible, working “picture” of a potential or active caregiver situation. I sketch a simple paper and pencil drawing with stick figures and buildings that look similar to what I drew in kindergarten. It’s not complicated, but it gives us a lot of information to build a plan. It’s also something you can do for yourself and modify as things change.
The map shows us where people live, who is available for caregiving, other needs like home or pet care. We locate medical providers, transportation options, and specific concerns for your case.
Creating a paper and pencil sketch allows you to share with your team, so they also have a clear picture of your circumstances. A health record can indicate you have family members. However, they may not be local, or there are other reasons you might not choose to have them involved. We can create a team to meet your needs.
You can find this tool at https://atlasofcaregiving.com/caremap/. The directions and videos inspire you to create your map.
If you have any questions or need help creating your Care Map, let me know.
I love drawing, exploring, and finding your unique solutions.
Contact me at Kathy@caregiverconnection.net
Caregiving can be a challenging time.
Grab my “Getting Your Docs In A Row” checklist to help you prepare to care.