Tips & Tools
Let our collection of practical tools, tips, and information help you to care for yourself, care for your loved one, and stay organized. These resources were developed by VA’s Caregiver Support Program or partner organizations.
Managing Medicines
- Medication Log (PDF)
- Preventing Medication Mishaps (PDF)
- Get the Facts on Prescription & Over-the-Counter Drugs
Talking with Your Provider
- Tips for Communicating with Your Veteran's Health Care Team (PDF)
- Questions to Ask Your Veteran's Health Care Providers (PDF)
- What to Do When The Veteran You Care For Is Hospitalized (PDF)
- Crisis Symptom Reporting Guide (PDF)
Caring for Oneself
Use these guides to monitor your daily signs of stress and to identify actions to help restore feelings of confidence, health, and wellbeing.- Caregiver Workbook Module 1: Caregiver Self-Care (PDF)
- Self-Care Activities (SITE)
- Self-Care Assessment and Daily Attention Diary (PDF)
- Week 1 (PDF)
- Week 2 (PDF)
- Week 3 (PDF)
- Week 4 (PDF)
- Self-Care Reflection Worksheet (PDF)
Staying Organized
Moving around Safely - (Video Series)
- Home Alone Alliance – Mobility Video Series *
- Preparing Your Home for Safe Mobility *
- Getting from a Car to a Wheelchair *
- What to do when Someone Falls *
- Using a Walker or Cane and Navigating Stairs *
- Moving from a Walker to Shower or Bed *
- Transportation and Driving (PDF)
Managing Dementia Behaviors – (Video Series)
- Communicating with Someone with Dementia
- Understanding the ABC’s of Dementia Behaviors
- ABC’s of Dementia Behavior: Scenario #1
- ABC’s of Dementia Behavior: Scenario #2
- ABC’s of Dementia Behavior: Scenario #3
- Communicating with Your Doctor
- Overview of Dementia
- Caring for the Caregiver
- Support Group
- Relaxation Techniques
- Visualization of Relaxation Techniques
- Self-Care for the Caregiver
- Legal Issues
- Facing Legal Issues
- Communication
- Home Safety
- Home Safety Tips
- Problem Behaviors
- Dealing with Problem Behaviors
- Finding Caregiver Assistance
- Resources for Caregivers
- Implementing a Daily Plan
- Dealing with Incontinence
- Wandering
- Choosing a Nursing Facility
- Caregiving in a Nursing Home
Office of Rural Health - Caregivers Video Series
Medication Issues for People with Dementia:
Caregivers frequently have to manage medications for their loved ones with dementia. However, this task can be very challenging. This video portrays different approaches for caregivers to organize and store medications, handle medication refusal and create medication lists. The video also discusses common issues individuals with dementia face, such as difficulty swallowing medications.
Recognizing and Managing Pain in People with Dementia:
Pain and generalized discomfort is often an overlooked source of irritability and aggression in people with dementia. This video portrays methods for caregivers to recognize the signs of pain or discomfort, monitor pain, side effects of pain medications, and how to manage pain without medications when possible.
Engaging People with Dementia in Meaningful Activities:
People with dementia lose their ability to plan things on their own, leaving caregivers to help engage their loved one in activities that are meaningful. This video encourages caregivers to establish a consistent but flexible routine, to set realistic expectations, and to discover activities that provide a sense of accomplishment for the person with dementia.
Need Help?
Caregiver Support Coordinator
Your local Caregiver Support Coordinator is a licensed professional who can support you by matching you with services for which you are eligible, and providing you with valuable information about resources that can help you stay smart, strong and organized as you care for the Veteran you love. Enter your zip code to view contact information for your area.
Caregiver Support Line
With VA's Caregiver Support Line – 1-855-260-3274 – assistance is just a quick phone call away. If you're just getting started with VA, calling the Caregiver Support Line is a great first step to take to learn more about the support that's available to you.
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