Defining needs is the first step in determining what kind of help and support will best suit your circumstances. First outline your specific concerns. Use the following questions and write out the answers on a sheet of paper.
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What type of help does the care recipient need to live as independently as possible? (Nutrition, legal/financial, health care, supervision, companionship, homemaking, transportation)
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How much money is available to pay for outside resources? Will insurance cover any of the services?
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How much time is required to provide assistance?
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What is the care recipient able to do for him/herself?
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What type of help would family and friends be willing to provide?
Free Caregiver Training and Support
Council on Aging offers free support and training for people who are serving as caregivers for family members, friends or other loved-ones. Click here for more information.