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wbjournal.com | October 21, 2024 | Worcester Business Journal 5 care. It's what we believe in. Care is more than health care—it's care for your struggles, challenges, and triumphs. That's the kind of care we believe in. Fallon Health. Care and coverage that goes further. SPECIAL ADVERTISING CONTENT S ometimes, becoming a care- giver can be abrupt—a loved one becomes ill suddenly or gets injured. And if you feel unprepared to provide support, taking on this life-changing responsibility can feel overwhelming. Here are important things you can do to get your bearings and start providing the care and attention your loved one deserves. Assess the situation Learn as much as you can about your loved one's current medical circumstances. is will determine the caregiving that's needed now and help you prepare for the future. Questions to ask include: • What is the medical situation right now? • How can/will the situation evolve? • How many health care providers are involved? • What type of care is being provided and how long is it needed? • Are there any changes to current medications or have new ones been prescribed? • Who is updating your loved one's primary care provider (PCP)? • If your loved one is hospitalized, what is the discharge plan? (Ask about this now because you'll need to prepare.) In most cases, health information can be shared with you. But some situ- ations require a signed HIPAA release form that gives a third party (you) access to the medical information of the person receiving care. e form is available through a health care provid- er, insurance company, or hospital. You may also need to obtain a health care proxy. Do a safety assessment It's important to make sure the environment where your loved one is or will be living is safe. Here are some areas to address: • Tripping hazards – Secure any loose area rugs or exposed power cords. – Clear hallways and stairs of clutter. – Repair any broken steps, hand- rails, or uneven walkways. • Lighting – Lamp switches and flashlights should be easily reachable. – Install always-on night lights in hallways, bedrooms, and bath- rooms. • Assistive devices and technology – Bring in a hospital bed or any assistance products like adjustable bed rails or medical step stools with handrails if needed. – Add grab bars, waterproof seats, and/or rubber mats to the bath- room if helpful. – Get a wearable medical alert device for safety. Look after yourself You're taking on an important role, and it's easy to overextend yourself. But you can't pour from an empty cup. Taking care of yourself means you'll be at your best when taking care of your loved one. • Community and family are key. Get support from caregiver support groups and family members. • Eat well and exercise to support your overall well-being, which will help you succeed in your new role as caregiver. • If your company has an employee assistance program (EAP), use it. It can provide information, sup- port, and resources to help you with caregiving. • Take time off if you need to. e Massachusetts Paid Family Medical Leave (MA-PFML) law provides job protection and temporary wage re- placement for most people who work in Massachusetts when they need to manage family or medical situations. This article is excerpted from Caregiver Connection: Fallon Health's blog for caregivers at fallonhealth.org/caregiver-blog. Suddenly a caregiver? Here's some help with where to start