According to the National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP, approximately 43.5 million people have provided unpaid care to an adult or child in the last 12 months. If you are preparing to take on the role of caregiver for a loved one, here is a checklist of items to consider.
• Housing: Make sure your loved one’s home is clean and safe for them to live. Create a list of monthly bills and costs associated with living at home. If there is a car at home, assess your loved one’s ability to still drive.
• Documents: Organize your loved one’s personal records. This should include identification, health, housing, financial, insurance and end-of-life planning.
• Money: Review finances with your loved one. Be sure to record checking and savings accounts, retirement plans, personal assets, debts, insurance, and any other expenses. It may be helpful to engage a financial planner to help you prepare for long-term care.
• Health: Make sure you are listed as the caregiver with doctors. Create a list of medications and daily dosages.
• Community Resources: Learn about what community resources are available to your family. This could include meal delivery, transportation or social activities.