Tips for Caregivers

Some of the things that caregivers can do to help a youth 16 years or older to prepare for successful independent living are:

  1. Start a Records Book that will contain the youth’s important records; help them get a certified copy of their birth certificate, social security card, photo i.d., and medical records; make a list of important telephone numbers.
  2. Enroll the youth in a school program in which they can succeed.
  3. Find out for which medical insurance benefits a youth is eligible; take them for a dental check-up and develop a relationship with a dentist who would be willing to see the youth when they are on their own; take them for a physical and develop a relationship with a doctor who would be willing to see the youth when they are on their own; make sure the youth really understands birth control; line them up with a good counselor.
  4. Teach the youth some new ways to have fun; take them to join a local recreation center; connect them with a church group, 4-H, scouting, or extracurricular activities in school; if appropriate, help them renew contact with family members; help them develop at least one friendship.
  5. Help the youth through an independent living skills workbook; help the youth learn how to look up possible resources in the phone book & internet; teach the youth how to read a map, to cook five good meals, to store food, to use coupons and comparison shop, to use an oven and microwave, to clean a kitchen and bathroom thoroughly; show the youth the best place to shop for food, clothing, furniture, etc.; teach them how to write a letter and use the post office; help them develop good telephone communication skills; help them get a library card and show them how to use it.
  6. Help the youth get a driver’s license and price insurance. Teach them how to use the public transportation system and read the bus schedules.
  7. Role-play contacts with police, bank tellers, doctors, property owners, etc.; take the youth to a session of adult court; teach them how to find and retain a lawyer and when to get one.
  8. Help the youth understand a lease or rental agreement; explain tenant and property owner rights; teach them how to find a safe, affordable place to live; work with the youth on how to find and get along with a roommate.
  9. Help the youth find a job or a better paying job; help them put together a resume and a fact sheet with information needed for filling out applications; buy them an alarm clock and teach them how to use it; role-play job interviews; teach them how to read a paycheck stub; help them open a bank account; teach them how to do, or at least get help with, yearly tax return forms; work with them on how to budget their money; teach them how to write and cash a check.
  10. Talk to the youth often about his or her feelings about what it might be like to live on their own.