Family Caregiving Basics

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How to prepare for what may come down the line

There are several things you can do to ensure that you're providing the best care possible, and that you'll be prepared for whatever comes your way.

Create a "care log", a notebook where you keep important paperwork relating to your loved one.
Plan ahead. Discuss legal and financial issues with family members and agree on a plan now, so you don't have to worry about it in the future. Issues you want to discuss include:
- Power of attorney
- Trust
- Joint ownership
- Representative payee
- Medigap insurance
- Wills
Define roles. Gather all family members who will likely play a role in caregiving, and explicitly define everyone's role and what will be expected of them. Write it all down so there's no confusion.
Identify appropriate services and resources to assist with family caregiving and make necessary arrangements.