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Where to Begin Checklist

This form is intended to help you determine the tasks that may be requested to care for you or your loved one.
  • Getting Started
    Suggestions
    Answer

  • What are your loved one’s wishes and preferences?

    • Meet with your loved one to discuss his or her current health situation and identify how you will work together to get their needs fulfilled.

  • Do you know where all important documents and passwords are kept including bank documents, retirement accounts, safe deposit boxes, investments, will and trusts?

    • Discuss the need for knowing the location of all records with your loved one.
    • Collect all files and documents you think you will need.
    • Complete a personal information and record inventory.

  • Who else can help with caring for your loved one?

    • Make a list of all tasks with which you need help and then make a list of all the people who can help you (relatives, neighbors, friends, community resources.) Ask for help.
    • Look into local caregiver resources that can provide respite care either in the home or at an adult day care facility.
    • Look into home-delivered meal programs such as Meals on Wheels.

  • What will you do to take care of yourself?

    • Identify how you will find time for yourself each day to do something you enjoy.
    • Assess your own level of stress.
    • Join a support group.
    • Take care of your own health: eat well, get enough sleep, and exercise.
  • Type of Care Needed
    Suggestions
    Answer

  • What kind of care does your loved one need and how might that change in the future?

    • Review different types of care.
    • Talk with your loved one about his or her preferences for housing (e.g., wants to stay at home).
    • Complete Assessing Your Loved One’s Needs Checklist

  • Could your loved one remain at home if he or she had some professional help (example: skilled nurse, home health aide)?

    • Research the types of professional services available in the home.
    • Perform a Home Safety and Security Checklist to identify home improvements.
  • Cost & Insurance
    Suggestions
    Answer

  • How much will it cost to provide care?

    • Call providers to obtain estimates
    • Estimate cost based upon expected length of stay and per day costs provided by facilities or professionals.

  • Does your loved one have a long term care insurance policy? Does he or she need it?

    • Locate the policy documentation.
    • Educate yourself on the specifications of your loved one’s long term care policy.
  • Legal
    Suggestions
    Answer

  • Does your loved one have any advanced directive?

    • Locate your loved one’s important documents.
    • Research advanced directives and discuss options with your loved one.

  • Does your loved one have any Power of Attorney?

    • Locate your loved one’s important documents.
    • Learn about Power of Attorney and the procedures.
    • Get advice from an estate attorney.
    • Discuss options with your loved one.

  • Does your loved one have a will? If not, how can I help create a legally binding will?

    • Locate your loved one’s important documents.
    • Learn about legally binding wills and the procedures.
    • Get advice from an estate attorney.
    • Discuss options with your loved one.

  • Is your loved one capable of making their own decisions anymore?

    • Discuss your options with your loved one and other family members.
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