A second caregiving tip is to talk about the big issues that must be considered in caregiving. Four big issues are finances, legal concerns, health care and housing.
Financial Considerations
What financial resources are available for care? Most people prefer to keep their financial affairs private. But to best prepare and provide for a family member’s care, you will need to gain a full understanding of the person’s financial assets and liabilities. Develop a list of assets and liabilities, accounts, Social Security income, CDs, stocks, bonds, real estate deeds, insurance policies and annuities, retirement or pension benefits, credit card debts, home mortgages and loans, and so forth. Also, research the costs of home and community-based care options if these types of care might be needed in the future.
Legal Considerations
Do you have legal documents in place that authorize you or another person to make legal, financial and health-care decisions on behalf of someone else? Also, are legal documents, such as Social Security numbers; birth, marriage and death certificates; divorce decrees; property settlements; military records; income tax returns; wills; trust agreements; and burial arrangements, in an accessible location? At some point, you may need to determine eligibility for public programs, such as Medicaid.
Health-care Considerations
The type of illness or frailty of your family member will determine the type of care required, where the care can be received, how much it will cost, etc. Talk about your family member’s wishes and preferences for care and incorporate this into the plan of care.
Housing Considerations
You also may have a variety of issues related to housing to consider. How adaptable is your family member’s home? Would a family member who became disabled or couldn’t use stairs be able to stay in the person’s home? What would making modifications cost? Is the home safe?