All of this 'extra stuff' means that you will need to have some way of recording and keeping track of all of it. I have a calendar that hangs on my door as well as a day to a page diary. We write down all the appointments (not just LO's but appointments that the carers need to keep). My mum and I share the caring, so we need to make sure we don't book our appointments at the same time. If we have to do that, we need to arrange for someone to be at home with Dad while we are doing other things.
This works for me, but I am not going to tell you that this is the best way. Find what works for you. If you are tech savvy you might prefer to use a calendar app with a sharing function (so everyone involved can see where appointments/ events are booked and make necessary changes). If you don't know what I'm talking about, I would suggest you go with a paper diary. Don't take on any unwanted stress of having to learn how to use technology when a book will work just fine for you.
There are lots of organising resources online. Don't limit yourself to "health" or "nursing" resources. Search for: Bullet Journals, Calendars, Diaries, FREE printables, teacher organisation and family organisation resources. It doesn't matter what you use, just remember your goals are to:
- know who is responsible for your LO at any moment of the day.
- ensure all the carers are able to contact each other at all times (phone list).
- keep a list of all support services, what they do, when to call them and how to contact them (day or night).
- have all paperwork in the same safe place while still easily found if needed.
A routine is also helpful for staying organised and managing medications/ medical supplies, but that also deserves it's own post.
I hope this has been helpful for you. Check out these links (by clicking on each) for more information.
16 Free Organisation Printables - cleaning checklist, grocery list, routines, schedules,
Organised Home's Printable Library - everything from calendars, checklists and planners.
Yes, You can do this!!
