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Ask the doctors and nurses: What will the patient
need? Who can help? How does one become a good caregiver?
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Consult a social worker or case manager, especially
to understand Medicare and Medicaid rules and what facilities
and services might be available.
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Use a support group. Even if a caregiver is a
little uncertain about meeting with others, try it a few times.
Most people find it enormously helpful to hear how others have
met challenges and to share stories with others who have really
"been there."
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Get information from the relevant national organizations.
All kinds of good information is posted on the Internet, and
a librarian can help you get it if you don't have access. Some
groups also have toll-free phone numbers.
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Contact a local hospital or hospice to locate
support groups and special services that they might have for
people who face similar challenges.
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Do some research, either in the library, on the
Internet, in getting second opinions. Try to become something
of an expert on the particular illnesses affecting your loved
ones.
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Call on family and friends — don't do it all alone.
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