RespiteMatch.com Health Blog

In order to properly assist and care for an elderly patient or relative, organization is key. Every family and every situation is different—with different issues, problems and challenges. Take stock of what the family needs to do, and make a checklist. Use this list as you design a care plan. It is also a good idea to refer back to it as time goes on.

MEDICAL

h What medical conditions does the elder have?
h What are the typical symptoms and effects of this condition or these conditions?
h What is the recommended treatment?
h What is the prognosis for the future?
h What kind of caregiving is most
appropriate for the medical situation?
h What are the names and phone
numbers of your elder’s
doctor(s)?

FINANCIAL

h What financial means are available
to pay for care or for other
necessities?
h What outside or governmental
help is available to help cover
costs?
h Do you need a financial planner
to help organize financial matters?
h Will family members have to
cover any costs from their own
pockets?

LEGAL

h Are all of the legal documents—
wills, powers of attorney, living
wills or trusts—in order?
h Do you know where they are
located?
h Do you know who your elder’s
attorney is?

ACCESS

h Do you have keys to your elder’s
house and car?
h Do you have phone numbers for
doctors, attorneys and other
professionals?
h Could you locate and have
access to important information
in a crisis?

DAILY CARE

h What daily care needs does your
elder have—personal care,
housekeeping, home health
care, or other assistance?
h When is this care most needed?
h Who will be providing this care?
h How are these care needs likely
to change?

LONG-TERM PLANS

h What are your plans for the
future?
h What will you do if there is a crisis?
h What are the likely changes i
ncare needs in the future?

CAREGIVERS

h Who will be providing care?
h Will family members provide all
of the care?
h Will outside caregivers or home
care agencies be hired?

PROFESSIONAL HELP

h Do you need a geriatric care
worker to help manage the dayto-
day care of your relative?
h What social workers, therapists
or other professionals are available
to help?

TRANSPORTATION

h How will your elder get around?
h What transportation services are
available in your community?
h Which of these transportation
services are appropriate for your
elder?
h Which family members are
available to provide transportation,
and when?