Care for an aging relative.

When searching for care for an aging relative, you want the best care you can maintain. What is best for one person is not best for another, however, so the real challenge is making the decisions that are right for your needs. Below you will find a simplified version of some of the things you should consider to avoid unnecessary frustration, expense, and risk.

Make sure you are clear about the problems your loved ones are having.

When searching for the appropriate care, you want to make sure you are aware of all areas in which your loved ones are having problems. Accurately making this assessment will help ensure that your loved ones receive the care they need.

The broad areas to consider are:

• Health
• Financial matters
• Behavioral issues

What kind of support does your aging relative need?

Does your loved one need constant care or simply a weekly check-in? How comprehensive does the care need to be? The best way to answer this question is to ask yourself, “What type of care do my loved ones require to ensure their needs are met and that I will not worry about their well being?”

Do your loved ones qualify for any benefits that they aren’t currently receiving?

Seniors often qualify for benefits they are not currently receiving. It is important to make sure that all available resources are put to good use to provide the best level of care possible.

Does your aging relative have a professional safety net?

Providing the right care for your loved one is not a one time event; it is an ongoing process. That’s why you want to make sure to have access to a network of trusted advisors that will be able to offer their assistance when the need arises. Some professional providers you should select and build relationships with before you are in need include:

• Doctor
• Lawyer
• Financial planner
• Someone to act as a coordinator between the service providers in your network.