Questions? Call us at 617-926-4100 or visit us on the web: www.springwell.com
© 2008 Springwell, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Making the most of this Organizational Tool
There is no question that filling out each line in this book can feel overwhelming. Because it
was designed to be a launching point for being a better informed and organized Caregiver, it
covers a wide range of information and details. Keep in mind you don’t need to complete every
line in each section. Use this as your framework for gathering and organizing information.
Here are some tips on how to make the most of this Notebook:
• Pace yourself by choosing the pages and sections that are most relevant now, and start
there.
• As much as possible, involve your loved one in completing the information. It will
provide the opportunity for discussion and may also provide a sense of control during a
time when control may seem fleeting to them.
• As with caregiving, don’t ‘go it alone’. Enlist family members and others close to the
elder to help complete a page or an entire section.
• Since this tool is a 3 ring binder, you can customize it. Rearrange the sections to fit your
organizational style. Decide which sections you want to have at the ready, which
sections should stay at the elder’s home and which sections should be removed to be
stored in a safe place.
• To make certain pages portable, we suggest removing and storing them in a separate
“travel” binder.
• Photocopy important papers to put into the binder while keeping the original in a safe
place.
• Use colored Post-It Note flags to alert a family member, friend or other caregiver on any
important changes or additions in the Notebook.
• Don’t limit the use of the Calendar to remembering medical appointments. Use it as a
tracking system for calls to make, medication changes, when a prescription needs to be
refilled, etc.
• Gathering financial information can be a daunting task. Collecting one month’s worth of
mail will give you a snapshot of existing bills and financial statements (except for those
that come quarterly). The most recent tax return is another good source of financial
information. Remember, it is always best to ask permission to access any type of
financial records.
• Most importantly, use the Springwell Caregiver Program as your caregiving resource. A
Caregiver Advisor can guide you on personalizing this tool to fit your caregiving needs.
If you need suggestions on how to gather important information or broach a subject with
a loved one, call us. A Caregiver Advisor is available to speak to in person as well as by
phone and email to provide you with information and resources.