(Optional) Assess responsibilities and personal readiness for becoming a caregiver.

Assessment should include

  • recognizing the importance of the caregiving role (e.g., parenting, caring for aging parents or family members, caring for pets)
  • examining factors affecting the decision to become a caregiver
  • identifying personal qualities needed by a caregiver
  • identifying the social, emotional, physical, intellectual, and financial considerations of caregiving
  • evaluating current knowledge of human development and caregiving.

Process/Skill Questions:

Thinking

  • What factors influence a decision to have children? Become a caregiver?
  • What criteria should be used to weigh the importance of each of these factors?
  • What is the relationship of educational and career goals and parenthood?
  • What are some poor reasons for having children or becoming a caregiver? What can happen when people enter into a caregiving role for poor reasons?

Communication

  • What questions should be asked to determine our desire and readiness for caregiving?
  • What is the role of communication in making decisions regarding caregiving?

Leadership

  • What ethical standards will guide you in considering your desire and readiness for caregiving?
  • What might be the consequences of unrealistic expectations regarding caregiving?
  • What leadership abilities are needed to make responsible decisions regarding caregiving?

Management

  • What are some favorable and unfavorable factors to consider in predicting caregiving success?
  • What resources are available to help you consider factors regarding desire and readiness for caregiving?