Continuing the theme of caregiving from our previous post, here are three more important considerations for caregivers:
| Financial Considerations: Review Finances. In addition to physical health, it is important to check in on your loved one’s financial health. Do you know what their finances are? If not, and if they are willing, this is also a good time to talk about assets and where they are located. Are they paying their bills on time, or do they need help? Scammers tend to target older people, and it might be a good idea to have someone keeping a second eye on their bank accounts. Having a document like a Durable Power of Attorney for Financial Matters in place can be extremely helpful. Estate Planning Documents. Speaking of powers of attorney, a well-crafted estate plan can be incredibly useful for you and your relatives, both during their lives and after their deaths. Powers of Attorney for Financial Matters and Advanced Directives can help ensure your loved ones have people they trust in place to make financial and healthcare decisions for them and can help avoid the burdens, delays and expenses of a guardianship. Powers of Attorney and Advanced Directives are also essential documents needed for long term care planning. In addition to naming beneficiaries, establishing estate planning documents such as Wills and Trust when someone can cognitively do so, allows your loved ones to express their wishes as to how they would like their assets distributed amongst family and friends. Naming beneficiaries and funding a revocable trust assets can avoid the costs and delays of probate court. Consider talking with your loved ones about their current estate plan and set up an appointment with an estate planning attorney to make sure your loved one’s wishes are accurately represented and that their documents are up to date. Self-Care: As all caregivers out there know, caregiving can be exhausting. I understand this feeling well as I took care of my husband for 11 years. It is a job that does not stop and I learned that taking a break for yourself is essential. This holiday season, take the time to honestly reflect and reach out to your family and support system about your own needs as well. If you can afford it, contact a home health care agency to help you. Look into local services such as meal delivery, transportation, or adult day care programs that can assist with day-to-day needs. Joining a caregiver support group to share experiences and learn from others in similar situations can provide you with valuable support. Hospice organizations can also assist you with providing care for your loved one. Know that it takes a village. Be kind to yourself. Planning for the Future: The number one goal for most people is to remain in their own homes for the rest of their lives. However, the reality is that there is only so much care we can provide to our loved ones in their homes, and what happens if 24-hour care become a necessity in the future. Talk with your loved ones about the possibility of receiving care in their own home, more extensive assisted living or nursing home care, as well as their preferences regarding receiving such care.If you need assistance with navigating the complicated road of long term care planning, please call our office and we would be happy to help you. |