If someone is assisting with your care — whether a caregiver, family member or trusted friend — good communication makes a real difference. It can help ease stress, prevent misunderstandings and help everyone feel more confident day-to-day. 

Here are a few ways to help you work more smoothly with the people who support you.

Say what you need — clearly

If someone is supporting your care, they can only help if they understand what’s working and what isn’t. Being open about your needs reduces stress for everyone. It helps your caregiver support you in the ways that matter most.

One simple approach is using “I” statements. They help you share what you need and how you feel without sounding critical. For example: 

“I feel worn out when I don’t get a break in the afternoon.” 

This type of honest and respectful communication helps make it easier to adjust routines and set expectations.

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Set healthy boundaries

Even with help, it’s easy to push yourself too hard or feel like you should manage everything on your own. Setting clear boundaries helps protect your energy. It also helps your caregiver know how to support you better. 

Start by being honest about what you can manage each day. Building in short breaks can make care feel more manageable. This might look like a: 

• Quiet meal 
• Short walk  
• Few minutes of rest

Let your caregiver know when you need time alone or a little extra help. And encourage your caregiver to do the same. Remember: When you take care of yourself, you’re better able to show up for others.^*

Discuss care decisions early

Some important care topics aren’t always easy to talk about, such as: 

• Health decisions 
• Care preferences  
• Future plans  

But talking about these things early and as needed helps avoid confusion and make sure your care reflects what matters most to you.

Here are some ways to get the conversation started.

• Choose a calm moment when you’re not rushed. 
• Focus on what you need or want, not what isn’t working.
• Use clear, plain language. You might say, “I want to share what matters most to me if I need extra care.” Or “Can we go over my care plan together so we both know what to expect?”

Open and honest talks help your caregiver understand your wishes and support you in the way that feels right to you.

Give your caregiver the power to help

If you have a caregiver, make sure to complete your caregiver form and share it with your providers. This form gives your caregiver the right to help with health care decisions if needed. Go to ah.aetna.com/jun26-5 and scroll down to the caregiver section to find and print the form.

Make support work better for you both

Having support is important — but how that support works day-to-day matters just as much. Try to be clear and specific about what helps you most. Here are some tips.

• Schedule regular help with errands and transportation. 
• Share a short list of the tasks that change week to week.
• Agree on how and when to check in.

Talk as needed about what’s working well and what you should adjust. Small changes — like setting expectations or routines — can help care feel more balanced and easier for both you and your caregiver. 

Share tips and advice

Here are a few small strategies that can make daily care more balanced and less stressful — for you and anyone who helps with your care. Feel free to share these with your caregiver or loved ones:

• Manage your time. Create a simple schedule that includes breaks, meals and rest for you and your caregiver.
• Ask for help. Make a list of tasks others can take on — like errands or appointment reminders — so they don’t have to ask you what you need.
• Check in often. Regular conversations help keep everyone on the same page.
• Take time for yourself. Even 15 to 30 minutes of quiet time, reading or gentle activity can help you recharge.

^*FOR COMMUNICATION: National Institute on Aging. Infographic: Take Care of Yourself as a Caregiver. Accessed at: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/caregiving/take-care-yourself-caregiver June 5, 2025. Accessed March 20, 2026.

See Evidence of Coverage for a complete description of plan benefits, exclusions, limitations and conditions of coverage. Plan features and availability may vary by service area. This material is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Health information programs provide general health information and are not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment by a physician or other health care professional. Contact a health care professional with any questions or concerns about specific health care needs. Providers are independent contractors and are not agents of Allina Health | Aetna. Provider participation may change without notice. Allina Health Aetna is not a provider of health care services and, therefore, cannot guarantee any results or outcomes. The availability of any particular provider cannot be guaranteed and is subject to change. Information is believed to be accurate as of the production date; however, it is subject to change. For more information about Allina Health | Aetna plans, refer to our website.

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