Caregivers Learning on the Job: Handling Complex Medical Tasks

Hands-on caregiving: Ask, watch and practice

Why should caregivers learn tasks that require training and are usually done by medical professionals in a medical setting? According to Cornwell, being able to handle routine procedures, such as clearing or reinserting a feeding tube when it becomes obstructed or dislodged, can help families avoid unnecessary emergency room visits. “I always teach my caregivers how to change feeding tubes during routine changes so in the event an emergent replacement is needed, they can call and I can take them through it,” he says.

Getting comfortable handling medical tasks takes time and practice, says psychologist and family caregiver Merle Griff, author of Solace in the Storm. Griff learned that the key to caring safely and compassionately at home for her mom, and eventually her husband, required her to be extra proactive. That means asking questions until you understand how to do a medical task, requesting clear instructions and supplies well before discharge, carefully observing demonstrations and then practicing each skill under professional supervision.

“Caregivers don’t have to be perfect, but we do have to be prepared. When we advocate for ourselves and our loved ones this way, we build confidence, reduce mistakes and give our family members the dignity and comfort they deserve,” says Griff, CEO and founder of SarahCare Adult Day Care Centers in Canton, Ohio.

Many caregivers struggle with the understandable fear of accidentally causing harm. “What held me back wasn’t the complexity — it was the fear of doing it wrong and making things worse. I want caregivers to know it’s okay to go very slowly as you learn. No one’s standing there with a clipboard demanding perfection,” says Peter Rosenberger, a caregiver to his wife, Gracie, for nearly 40 years through extreme medical challenges, including amputations, chronic pain and 98 surgeries. “I went to music school, not medical school, but I’m willing to take on more challenging tasks if that means keeping her out of the emergency room, which can create more pain and more challenges for her.”​

Debbi makes time for Joshua's medical needs, while nurturing his emotional well-being.

Nate Ryan

Key ways to tackle complex medical tasks​

Caregivers aren’t meant to replace health care professionals, yet many find themselves acting as a stopgap — managing wound care, catheters and ventilators and other complex tasks in between home health visits by health care professionals. “With people living longer with complex conditions, family caregivers have become amateur frontline field medics in their own homes, handling tasks that once belonged only in hospitals,” says Rosenberger. “It’s an enormous responsibility for people who never trained for this, and their ability to adapt is extraordinary.”

Because this can feel overwhelming, experts recommend a few practical steps to help caregivers build confidence, stay safe and provide the best possible support.​

1. Learn as much as you can​

Family caregivers can strengthen their ability to advocate by becoming true experts in their loved one’s conditions. Take the time to understand diagnoses, treatments, potential complications and even the language clinicians use. “The more you know, the more confidently you can frame questions, spot inconsistencies and anticipate needs,” says Harris. She has learned how to titrate oxygen, troubleshoot feeding pumps, mix and blend specialized formulas and administer medications with precision. She monitors blood pressure before each scheduled dose, checks for signs of infection or shunt malfunction, and knows how to respond when Joshua’s heart rate plummets or spikes into dangerous territory.

Alongside this learning, she emphasizes the importance of recordkeeping. Track every medication and dosage, vital signs, pain levels, food and fluid intake, mood changes and equipment settings or malfunctions. Document appointments, test results and conversations with health care providers. “Over time, these details reveal trends and patterns that can help clinicians make better decisions and help you advocate more effectively,” adds Harris.​

2. Be assertive, ask questions​

Many caregivers wait until discharge day to learn what they’ll need to do at home, but by then staff are rushed and teaching time is limited. Start asking questions as soon as you know your loved one will need ongoing care. Be respectfully assertive: Ask the health care professional to explain each step of a procedure, why it matters and what could go wrong. “Take your time. If a doctor or nurse pressures you to move faster than you’re comfortable with, it’s OK to push back,” says Rosenberger. “It’s normal to feel nervous or unqualified — give yourself permission to go at your own pace.”​

3. Watch closely and video-record​

Observing a nurse or therapist as they perform the procedure on your loved one gives you an accurate picture of what to expect. Griff strongly recommends video-recording these demonstrations on your phone so you can replay them later. Ask the professional to “talk through” the process on camera so the audio becomes a built-in voice-over. This helps bridge the inevitable gap between what you think you’ve learned and what you actually remember once you’re on your own at home.​

4. Practice under supervision​

Before your loved one is discharged, insist on practicing the procedure yourself, ideally more than once, while a professional observes and gives real-time feedback. Griff says this step built her confidence, reassured her husband and mother, and gave the professionals peace of mind that she would perform the tasks safely at home. Practicing under supervision also helps you spot potential obstacles before you’re alone, especially with medical equipment.​

5. Call for guidance, not just emergencies​

Many caregivers assume they should call a health care provider only in a true emergency, but guidance is available for routine issues. “If a feeding tube becomes clogged, a trach collar needs adjustment or any equipment isn’t working properly, reach out to your provider right away,” says Cornwell. He adds that often a nurse or doctor can walk you through the steps over the phone or via video, helping you resolve the problem safely at home. This approach can prevent unnecessary trips to the emergency room, reduce stress for both you and your loved one and ensure that minor issues don’t become major complications.​

6. Understand where to purchase equipment​

Griff emphasized that caregivers need to plan ahead for supplies and understand how Medicare coverage works. For expensive or specialized equipment, like ventilator, feeding tube or tracheostomy supplies, you often must go through a durable medical equipment (DME) company approved by Medicare, not just order online through Amazon. Hospitals typically make the first call, but caregivers should follow up to ensure the right equipment is provided. “Being proactive about setting up accounts with durable medical equipment suppliers and confirming delivery details can prevent delays, gaps in care and unnecessary hospital visits,” says Griff.​

7. Know your limits, but don’t underestimate yourself​

It’s natural for family caregivers to feel intimidated by medical tasks they’ve never performed, especially those once considered strictly “nursing” duties. But with thorough instruction, written guides and hands-on practice under supervision, most caregivers can safely learn procedures such as changing feeding tubes, giving injections, and handling catheters and tracheostomies. At the same time, knowing your limits is just as important as stretching your abilities. “If a task feels unsafe or unclear, don’t guess; instead, reach out to your health care team for clarification or help,” says Cornwell. “Balancing caution with a willingness to learn allows caregivers to prevent complications, reduce hospital visits and keep their loved ones more comfortable at home.”​