Tips on How to Use the Caregiver Card
PLAN AHEAD!!!!
- Put 1 or 2 cards with your ID, Credit Cards, Coat, Pockets, Car, and Purse. WE HAVE MORE, SO SPREAD THEM AROUND!
- When your companion asks, “What is that?” or “What are you handing them? Here are things you could say:
- Business Card, ID card, Medical card
- “So they know our names”
- “Our reservation number.”
- “A list of the foods we like.”
- “It was a card they dropped; I am giving it back to them.”
- Promptly redirect to another topic.
- Don’t be afraid to tell a therapeutic lie.
What are the cards used for:
- To be used in public with your companion
- To be handed out to individuals you interact with in the community:
- Restaurant servers
- Airport attendants
- Flight attendants
- Store clerk
- Sporting/Entertainment participants
- Used to decrease caregiver stress
- Tell others your story without having to say a word
- Builds understanding and awareness
- Level the playing field
- Increases your socialization
How do I use the cards:
- Hand the card to the waiter/hostess when they hand you a menu.
- Hand the caregiver card out as you say hello or make introductions.
- Put the card on the checkout belt before putting your food and items.
- Hand the cards out as you sit down to watch a sporting event or show.
- Hand the airport attendant your ID with a card.
- Hand a card out to TSA right as you enter the area.