Introduction: A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words ~ What is a Care Map?
It’s very easy to get overwhelmed with all of the ‘New Work’ that we find ourselves trying to learn – and when we’re overloaded it can become difficult to:
- See that we do have people who can support us, and
- Learn to ask for specific pieces of help.
Another piece of our ‘New Work’ requires that we take some time to breathe, look at our big picture and start to identify our helpers (to paraphrase Mr. Rogers).
We’ve already listed the healthcare professionals we’re involved with so far – and added them to the binder table of contents and the personal health summary. Now it’s time to expand this list to include people in our support networks who aren’t healthcare professionals but are still very much part of our networks/community. Friends and neighbours are those who can help – and those who we can help.
Pro Tip: Our helpers aren’t always the ones we think will be our helpers. Watch the video from the ‘Atlas of Caregiving’ to learn more about drawing your own CareMap.
Drawing Your Own CareMap
Download Printed CareMap Instruction Package from Atlas of Caregiving: How to Draw Your Care Map
Watch the ‘How To’ Video:
When your CareMap is drawn, find a prominent place to put it.
I have mine as the cover of my patient binder. That way it’s handy for demonstrating to doctors and others just what our care/support situation looks like – and where we need to find more help.
Assessing your CareMap and Identifying Gaps
What are the issues that you can see once you have drawn your care map? Consider the questions below to help you identify these areas.
- * Where are the obvious gaps in care? Are there people on the map who have considerably more arrows going out than in? Who cares for these care partners?
- * What obvious tasks could we ask other people to do?
- * Which areas might be addressed through community resources?
- * Who could you share your CareMap with to help them see what your care environment looks like? How could they help?
Finding Support & Resources: Online and IRL
Once you’ve identified some areas where you might need more support and resources, it’s time to reach out.
- * Where are the places you can ask for or find help?
- * Where have you been successful finding help and resources? Where have you been stymied or been told you don’t qualify or the resources don’t exist?
I can help support you in your search for programs and resources. Please reach out for support in creating and assessing your CareMap.
