How to Form a Caregiving Team of Family and Friends

Key Learnings

Despite our best efforts, one person simply can’t handle every caregiving-related duty alone. If you try, it can quickly lead to burnout. A well-curated core support team will help you maintain your mental and physical strength while ensuring your loved one receives continuous care. By sharing responsibilities with others, you’ll get:

• Access to diverse perspectives and skills  
• A network that can help you handle everyday tasks and unexpected issues 
• Flexibility to manage your own life while meeting your loved one’s needs 
• Emotional support from others who have firsthand experience with your situation 
• Reduced feelings of frustration, stress and isolation  

Recommended Steps

Determine What Help You Need: Write out every task where you could use assistance, from in-person meal prep to virtual help scheduling medical appointments.  

Brainstorm with Your Loved One: Encourage them to offer ideas about potential helpers, such as friends, neighbors or members of their faith-based community. 

Make a List of Potential Helpers: Compile a list of people who can pitch in. Remember: support can come from nearby people and those who are at a distance. 

Reach Out to Others: Be specific about what you are seeking, whether it’s hands-on care, assistance with tasks like running errands or companionship for your loved one.  

Create a “Who Does What” List: Document what each person agrees to do. This will keep tasks organized and make it easier if you need last-minute help or a team member’s availability changes.  

Share the Master List of Roles: Make that list accessible to all. Review it regularly and make updates as needed.