Are you new to caregiving? Has your loved one recently experienced a change that requires you to do more for them? Our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) can guide you to the information on this site that best fits your situation and your loved one's needs.
Under each topic listed below there are a series of questions with brief answers that also provide suggestions for how to find out more. After reading an answer, if you click on "Ask or Comment" you will be linked to our message board where you can either ask a geriatric care specialist a question about the issue or make a comment about what you have learned or tried.
Our FAQ's are organized around the following issues:
Working with Your Loved One
How do I get my loved one to see a doctor?
Some people are unwilling to go to the doctor due to lifelong habits, personal beliefs about health, fear of doctors, or fear of learning about a health problem. If this unwillingness is a new behavior, an undiagnosed health problem, such as dementia or depression, may be part of the reason. The best strategy may be to first listen and try to figure out why your loved one is unwilling to visit the doctor. If you suspect dementia visit the Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders resources to determine how to go about getting a diagnosis or finding the right health care resources. If you are concerned about possible depression, visit the Identifying and Managing Depression module and related Depression resources. Explore the Communication Techniques for Dementia and Communicating with the Person for Whom You Care resources for ideas about how to approach "emotionally loaded" topics your loved may not want to discuss.
How can I get my loved one to stop driving?
Being able to drive is a key part of independence and is a particularly difficult activity for people to give up. If problems with driving are new, an undiagnosed memory, vision, or other health problem may be part of the reason. If you have expressed your concern and your family member has not responded, you can ask his or her doctor to order a driving assessment. Visit the resources under Driving and Transportation to find driving rehabilitation programs, driver evaluation services and driver safety classes (e.g. offered by AARP). If your family member is resistant to the idea of taking a course or getting a driving evaluation and you are truly concerned, first try to figure out what may be causing the driving problem. Visit the resources on Communication Techniques for Dementia and Communicating with the Person for Whom You Care for ideas about how to approach this difficult topic. Explore the Medication Management resources for information about the effect of various health conditions or prescription drugs on driving. If you suspect memory problems may be the cause of risky driving behaviors, look for the information on driving and dementia in the Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders resources.
What can I do if my loved one refuses to accept help?
Some people are not willing to ask for help from family, friends, or professionals. They may feel their independence is being threatened or may have lifelong habits or personal beliefs that make it difficult to ask for help. If this is a new behavior, an undiagnosed memory problem, depression, anxiety, or other health problem may be part of the reason. The best strategy may be to first listen and try to figure out why your relative is unwilling to accept help. Explore the Communication Techniques for Dementia and Communicating with the Person for Whom You Care for ideas about how to approach "emotionally loaded" topics they may not want to discuss. If you suspect dementia, visit the Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders resources. If you are concerned about possible depression, visit the Identifying and Managing Depression module and related Depression resources.
Should I encourage my family member to live with me?
If you are not sure about making this change, think carefully about how to balance the needs and preferences of your loved one. What are their preferences for how to live "independently"-are they happy? Are they safe in their current situation? Are they getting enough assistance? You also need to think about your own capacities. Will the competing demands of work and family allow you to spend more time with your loved one? How will others be able to assist? Is your home suitable and will it be safe? Try to get an accurate picture of your family member's daily routines and needs in order to make a realistic decision. Spend some time observing him/her or talk to your loved one's neighbors and friends to gain insights on how he/she is managing.
When you are familiar with the needs of your family member, you may decide to hire some in home help or consider other care arrangements. Visit the educational module on Hiring Help or the resources on Selecting an Assisted Living Facility or a Nursing Home to learn more. Explore the Other Care Alternatives section of the Resources page to become familiar with your options. Visit the Communication Techniques for Dementia and Communicating with the Person for Whom You Care resources for ideas about how to approach "emotionally loaded" topics your loved one may not want to discuss. If you suspect dementia, visit the Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders resources to determine what steps you can take.
How can I motivate my loved one to get involved or stay active?
When an older person is very inactive or socially isolated his or her quality of life can be affected. Some people simply prefer to continue their lifelong activities or reclusive social habits. However, a change from usual activities can be related to other changes in health or mental health. For instance, he/she could be hiding an embarrassed health problem, such as incontinence. An undiagnosed memory problem, depression, anxiety, complications from an illness, or side effects of medication may be part of the reason. The best strategy may be to first pay attention and try to figure out why your relative is unwilling to be more active. For tips on how to understand your loved one's lack of activity, try the Communication Techniques for Dementia and Communicating with the Person for Whom You Care resources for ideas about how to communicate your concerns to him/her. If you are concerned about possible depression, visit the Identifying and Managing Depression module and related Depression resources.
Providing Care
How can I make it easier and safer for me to assist someone
who has physical limitations?
If your loved one has physical limitations, both of you can be at risk for falls or injuries. In addition, some tasks can become very frustrating for everyone. Daily activities can be made easier by using special equipment, furniture, or simple tools designed to help people remain more independent. There are also techniques you can learn to do things more safely. Visit the educational modules on Lifting and Transferring or Helping Your Loved One to Avoid Falls to learn more. Explore resources page for Home Modification and Assistive Products or to find information about Falls. You can also learn more about how the health conditions affecting your family member's physical from resources such as Health Care and Aging, Parkinson's, Stroke, and Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders (such as Lewy-Body Disease or Primary Progressive Aphasia).
How do I keep my loved one safe if he/she has a memory disorder?
Your daily routines and your home can become unsafe for someone who is confused and forgetful or no longer makes good judgments. In addition, many ordinary activities can become extremely frustrating for both of you, leading to unsafe situations. You may need to learn new strategies for keeping the home safe and making everyday tasks less confusing. Visit the educational module on Task Breakdown to learn some techniques for assisting someone with everyday tasks. Explore the Communication Techniques for Dementia and the Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders resources and look for information on home safety or dealing with a variety of difficult behaviors. In addition Terra Nova Films provides brief video clips of films such as "Dementia with Dignity" which addresses communication issues or "Choice and Challenge: Dealing with Aggressive Adults Across Levels of Care," which provides an example of how to handle resistant behaviors during bathing.
How can I deal with toileting difficulties?
Loss of bladder or bowel control becomes more common with age, but it can be caused by a variety of factors including muscle weakness, nerve damage or an underlying health condition. Depending on the type of problem, treatments may include medication, exercise or other procedures. Someone who is having a problem with incontinence may find it embarrassing and take great pains to hide it. To learn more about incontinence refer to the Health Care and Aging resources. If the issues you are dealing with are related to a memory disorder, visit the Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders resources-several of the web sites in that section provide information or ideas for understanding and handling incontinence associated with Alzheimer's Disease.
What can I do about sleeping problems?
While sleep patterns do change with age, there are also a variety of treatable sleeping disorders. Sleeping problems can also be related to health conditions, medications, mental health, and poor sleeping habits. To find more about the sleep problems and aging, check out the Health Care and Aging resources. To answer questions about handling sleep problems when someone has dementia or another condition, explore the resources on Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders, Parkinson's, or Stroke-several of the web sites in that section provide educational information on this topic.
How can I make sure my loved one has a healthy diet?
Older people of all backgrounds, regardless of education or income levels, can experience malnutrition, weight loss or other problems associated with diet. Poor nutrition is most common among those who live alone, but some people also have difficulty changing lifelong eating habits. In general, people of any age tend to eat "healthier" when meals are also social events. For general health guidelines on nutritional issues and age-related conditions, explore the Health Care and Aging resources. For instance, the Aging in the Know site provides a wealth of information about nutrition and aging, as well as common nutritional problems among older people. Some conditions, such as Parkinson's or Stroke affect a person's ability to swallow. When someone has dementia or memory problems, they may also have trouble focusing on eating. Explore the Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders resources to learn more; for example, the Alzheimer's Association provides tips for getting someone to eat on their Living with Alzheimer's-Caring For Alzheimer's web page.
How can I learn more about caring for someone with memory
problems?
While CAREgiving Help does not specialize in memory disorders, we do provide an educational module on Personal Care through Task Breakdown, which focuses on communicating with someone with memory problems during everyday tasks. Learn more about various memory disorders and the physical, emotional, cognitive, and behavior issues you may encounter by visiting our Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders resources.
What are some useful and appropriate activities for someone
with memory problems?
Finding appropriate activities for someone with a memory disorder can be challenging. While CAREgivinghelp does not specialize in memory disorders, try the visiting the Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders resources for some ideas. For instance, the PBS site "The Forgetting" provides both ideas and online activities for someone with dementia.
How do I know if my loved is depressed and what can I do about
it?
Both depression and anxiety are common problems among older people, which often go undiagnosed. This is because many other health problems can make it difficult to notice the symptoms. In addition, depression can be common among people with dementia, but difficult to identify. Depression should be taken seriously, and there are many steps that can be taken to help a person in need. If you are concerned about possible depression, to learn more visit the Identifying and Managing Depression educational module and visit the other Depression resources. To learn more about anxiety and depression you may also want to visit the Health Care and Aging resources. If dementia may be problem, also visit the Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders resources.
How can I help my loved one stay as independent as possible?
Many older people can remain independent in some areas even if they have very limited abilities in other areas. It is important to take into account your own expectations for your family member and then try to understand what he or she can actually do or what kinds of decisions they can still make. The key is to focus on remaining abilities or strengths. These will vary depending on the health conditions of your family member. Visit the educational module on Lifting and Transferring to learn some techniques for encouraging your loved one to work with you when moving. Visit the Home Modification and Assistive Products resources to find products that maximize independence in daily tasks. For ideas about promoting independence for someone with dementia visit the educational module on Personal Care through Task Breakdown. You may also explore the resources on Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders or Communication Techniques for Dementia.
How can I improve communication with health care professionals?
As you take on more responsibility for the health and well-being of an older person, you may find yourself acting in the role of health care "coordinator." It can be difficult to keep track of appointments, medications, and all the medical information you receive from a wide variety of health care professionals. Such professionals are often very busy-you may need to share health issues in an efficient way that encourages them listen. For tools to organize and easily update medical information visit the Managing Day to Day Health Care module. A short film clip on learning how to communicate with physicians, entitled "Partners in Health," can be viewed at Terra Nova Films. For more on communicating with physicians, nurses and other professionals explore our Health Care and Aging resources-for instance Aging in the Know and the National Institute on Aging provide educational material on this topic.
How do I safely manage medications?
Older people with many health problems often take a variety of medications prescribed by several doctors. When medications interact they can affect both physical and mental health. In addition, some medications work differently for older adults or have different side effects. Additions or changes in medications can be confusing, particularly when someone is released from the hospital or visits several doctors. It is not unusual to mistakenly end up with duplicate prescriptions or to have trouble figuring out a medication schedule. It is extremely important to keep track of medications and to pay attention to any changes in the person you are caring for. To make this task more manageable, try some of the tools provided in the Managing Day to Day Health Care module. To learn more about how to ask your doctor about drug effects or medications that may cause problems for older people, explore the Medication Management resources. For instance Aging in the Know provides an overview of important things you should know about medications and aging under the topic "drug treatment."
What important health care documents or decisions should I
be aware of?
There are a variety of tools for making important decisions during health crises. These include a durable power of attorney for health care, a living will or advance directive, and a healthcare proxy statement. Depending on the condition and wishes of your loved one, you may also need to complete a document that states when health care should NOT be received (this can be part of the living will). To learn more about how to prepare for future health care decisions, visit the Financial, Legal and Health Care Decisions module. Due to a federal law regarding the privacy of an individual's health care information (HIPAA), you may not be able to get information about your loved one's health care unless you have been authorized to do so by the patient. If your loved one is able to make decisions, he/she should prepare a document which states the names of family members or others who are authorized to access his/her health information. This signed document should be provided to all physicians or facilities providing health care. In addition, your loved one should prepare a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care, which names one or more persons who are authorized to make health care decisions, should the person not be able to make his/her own decisions. This should also be given to all care providers as well as to those named as the Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care.
How do I arrange for emergency care if something happens to me?
If you are doing most of the care for your loved one, you may be worried about what to do if you have an emergency yourself. You may have a health problem that requires immediate attention or hospitalization, or may need to leave suddenly for another family emergency. Some carefully thinking and planning ahead could minimize problems. Develop a system for quickly sharing information about your loved one and their needs is one strategy. Write down important information about your loved one needs and any important health information or contact information and keep those documents in an easy to find location that anyone could access in an emergency. In addition you may want to consider identifying one or two people who are familiar with your situation who would agree to come at the last minute. Visit the Managing Day to Day Health Care and Creating and Managing an Informal Care Team modules for some ideas for how to organize and share important information with other people who could help you in an emergency. It may also be worth it to call some local respite care organizations to see if any offer respite care on short notice.
Helping Others Understand
How can I get friends or family to understand the situation?
"My friends just don't seem to understand." Staying socially connected may be more difficult when you are busy caring for your loved one. Other people may not fully understand the changes or demands of your day to day schedule. Until others experience the same situation, they may have difficulty putting themselves in your shoes. You will need to be patient and help them understand how your life has changed. In some cases, you may be able to ask friends to help in small ways so that they better understand the situation. Check out the educational modules on Communicating with Visitors or Creating and Managing an Informal Care Team to find ways you can involve friends or family as partners in your day to day routine. If you are having difficulty explaining your situation to others, you may want to schedule a consultation with a Geriatric Care Manager.
How do I get other family members to help?
"My siblings expect me to do it all." If you are caring for a parent and feel the burden is unevenly distributed, you are not alone. Often one sibling bears more responsibility. This can be frustrating and at times feel unfair. Some family members may act like they know more about the situation, even when they are not very involved in providing care. Others don't seem to understand why care takes up so much time or they make suggestions that seem overly critical. Check out our module on Creating and Managing an Informal Care Team to find ways you can involve family as partners in your day to day routine. It may be useful to have a family meeting or a professional consultation with a Geriatric Care Manager to work on clarifying responsibilities for care, working through family tensions, or finding new ways to share tasks.
Managing and Coping
How can I manage my time better?
"I just don't know where the time goes - there's so much to do." Caregiving can be like having a 24-hour job for which there is little or no training. There are resources that can be helpful for getting a handle on managing your time. Visit the modules on Managing Day to Day Health Care, Communicating with Visitors, or Creating and Managing an Informal Care Team to get some ideas for organizing information and tasks in a way that can save time and make it easier to communicate with others. You may also want to explore the resources on Caregiver Empowerment and Self-Care or Organizations and Resources for Caregivers to find other ways to manage your situation.
How do I ask for help?
"I feel like I shouldn't need to ask for help." Carrying the entire responsibility for caregiving alone can be isolating and exhausting. While it may be difficult to ask for help, it can also be a positive experience for you and your loved one. Try to determine what prevents you from feeling able to ask for help. Finding out what other caregivers have done and what resources are available may make it seem more feasible. Visit our Message Board to share concerns with other caregivers. You may also need to be creative in how you ask for help. Think through whether or not there are others who may be able to help, even in small ways. Sometimes relatives or friends simply don't know how to help. Visit the modules on Creating and Managing an Informal Care Team and Communicating with Visitors to explore your possibilities. You may also want to consider hiring help, if you have the resources. Visit the module on Hiring Help or explore the resources on Organizations and Resources for Caregivers and Hiring Help, as well as the section on Services and Benefits for Older Adults.
How do I find time for myself?
"I really need a break for myself." Everyone needs balance in their lives; the stress of constantly caring for another person can disrupt even the most balanced life. You may need to learn new strategies for managing stress. You may also need to be creative in how you ask for help. Think through whether or not there are others who may be able to help, even in small ways. Sometimes relatives or friends simply don't know how to help. The modules on Creating and Managing an Informal Care Team and Communicating with Visitors may give you some ideas. Explore some different ways to manage your day to day stress. If you have a few moments, we have provided some online exercises and resources on our Moment for Yourself page. You may also want to visit the resources under Caregiver Empowerment and Self-Care or Organizations and Resources for Caregivers to explore other ways to cope. You may also want to consider hiring help, if you have the resources; visit the module on Hiring Help for more information. You may also find it helpful to connect with other caregivers through our Message Board.
How do I keep my identity?
"Caregiving is so all-consuming, sometimes I forget who I was before this." If caregiving has become the primary focus in your life, take a moment to reflect on the other roles, interests, and talents you possess. Are there ways to give yourself time to continue these activities, even in a limited way? Try one of exercises on our A Moment for Yourself page to remember who you are; for instance, the writing exercises may be especially helpful. Visit the Caregiver Empowerment and Self-Care resources to explore other options for taking care of yourself. Other options might include a private consultation with a Geriatric Care Manager, seeking other professional support, attending a caregiver support group, or taking a class for caregivers.
How can I cope with the stress?
"I feel like crying all the time." The stress of providing care day after day can have an impact on your own health or mental health. It is important to take care of yourself. If you are worried or want to get an idea of how you are handling stress, complete the online Caregiver Self-Assessment tool provided by the American Medical Association, which is listed in our Caregiver Empowerment and Self-Care resources. If you just want to take a brief moment to relax, try the exercises on our Moment for Yourself page. Visit our Message Board if you feel you need some feedback on how to cope. Other options might include a private consultation with a Geriatric Care Manager, seeking other professional support, attending a caregiver support group, or taking a class for caregivers. For instance other caregivers have found the course "Powerful Tools for Caregivers" to be especially helpful; see if you work for an employer that offer this as a benefit to their employees. Visit the resources on Organizations and Resources for Caregivers for more ideas about how to get support or take care of yourself. If you are experiencing major changes in your mood, behavior, or energy level, it is important to talk with a health care professional or your physician as soon as possible.
How can I handle my frustration when my loved one forgets?
"It upsets me when he/she doesn't remember important family history." Memory problems can bring up a lot of sadness for caregivers and family members who do remember the past and the ways their loved one used to be. We have provided links to a variety of resources under Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders that provide more information on the changes you can expect in your loved one and how to cope with them.
How can I become more comfortable with having to take care
of my parent?
"I am uncomfortable with how our roles have reversed." Adult children are often uncomfortable when they begin to provide care for an aging parent. This change in the parent-child relationship is often stressful for both. It may be particularly uncomfortable to take on roles that involve intimate bodily contact, especially if your parent is of the opposite sex. You may want to explore the resources listed under Organizations and Resources for Caregivers or visit our Message Board to get feedback on how others have handled this common situation. In addition, Alzheimer's Disease and other dementias can cause changes in behaviors that are very difficult to deal with or witness; for instance, people with Alzheimer's may act out sexual urges. Visit the resources on Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders to learn more about difficult behaviors, including sexual behaviors. For an example of how to handle difficult behaviors during bathing, Terra Nova Films provides a brief video clip the film "Choice and Challenge: Dealing with Aggressive Adults Across Levels of Care." Consider seeking a private consultation with a Geriatric Care Manager or another professional to find ways to cope with changes in your relationship.
How do I cope with the loss of intimacy or other changes in
my relationship with my spouse?
"I miss how we used to be together." Caregiving affects your relationship with your spouse in many ways-your roles can change dramatically. You may be in charge of new tasks, such as cleaning or paying the bills. Your spouse may be dependent on you in ways that can be frustrating for both of you. The most difficult issue may be the loss of sexual intimacy. You may need to find new ways to be intimate. If your spouse has a memory disorder this can also affect the way in which they express themselves sexually. He/she may express themselves in ways that seem inappropriate or hurtful, which can be very disturbing. To learn more about how to adjust to such changes, visit Terra Nova Films to view a brief clip of the film "More Than a Thousand Tomorrows" which portrays one man's experience with his wife. For more information about how dementia can affect sexual behavior visit the Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders resources; for instance, the Alzheimer's Association provides a brief fact sheet on this topic. Consider seeking a private consultation with a Geraitric Care Manager or another professional to find ways to cope with changes in your relationship.
What if I didn't really want to provide care?
"I didn't sign up for this." When a person becomes a caregiver for someone with whom a difficult relationship has existed for years, taking on caregiving responsibilities may be less of a choice and more of an obligation. Think through what you are willing and able to do. Visit our Message Board to seek feedback regarding your concerns. Consider seeking a private consultation with a Geriatric Care Manager or another professional to find some reasonable solutions for managing the emotional aspects of this unexpected role. Explore your options for getting support or assistance from others in your family or from programs in your community. The resources listed under Other Care Alternatives and Services and Benefits Available to Older Adults also may be helpful in this regard.
How do I know when to stop providing care?
"I don't know if I can do this anymore." Some caregivers come to the realization that they can no longer provide the care that is needed or desired. Unfortunately, many caregivers sacrifice their own health and well-being long after they need to think about other alternatives. It is important to evaluate quality of life for both you and your loved one. If you begin to have health problems or are not getting enough sleep, it can be difficult for you to keep your loved one healthy and safe. When your quality of life becomes so poor you don't have enough energy or patience, you become angry, or you lose your ability to care about what you are doing, then you should reassess your options. Sometimes, the risks outweigh the benefits of providing care at home. You may want to complete the Caregiver Self-Assessment online to see how you are doing; this tool, provided by the American Medical Association, is listed in our Caregiver Empowerment and Self-Care resources. Visit our Message Board to seek feedback regarding your concerns. If you are having doubts about your ability to cope, consult with a Geriatric Care Manager or another professional to explore your options.
Finding Resources
How do I find services and programs to assist me with providing
care?
The government has established a network of "Area Agencies on Aging" to provide information to the public about programs and services available for older people and their families. To find your local AAA and learn more about the range of services and programs available call the Eldercare Locator phone number from anywhere in the nation. The national Administration on Aging web site also provides contact information for all AAA's and in Illinois you can link to most of the state's AAA's through the Illinois Department on Aging web site. If your AAA office is far from where you live, it is still worth a call to get information and assistance or lists of programs and services in your area. Some AAA's also have detailed descriptions of various types of services, guides and tips for caregivers or even online searchable databases of program and services. If you are looking for services in the Chicago area, CJE SeniorLife also maintains an online database of programs and services for people of all ages, which you can search by zip code and key words. Like most social service and government agencies, CJE SeniorLife cannot recommend services or programs. To get started with finding resources in the Chicago area, Illinois, or other states, visit the Services and Benefits Available to Older Adults section of the Resources page. You can also visit CJE SeniorLife's Community Resources Online database, which provides information on program and services for people of all ages. To explore your options for providing care visit the Other Care Alternatives section of the Resources page. For more specific guidance on how to plan for providing care, schedule a private consultation with a Geriatric Care Manager or another professional.
How do I know if I qualify for public services?
The government has established a network of "Area Agencies on Aging" to provide information to the public about programs and services available for older people and their families. The best way to start is to contact your local Area Agency on Aging to learn more about eligibility for public services. You may also use the Benefits Eligibility Check online program to find out if you or your loved one is eligible for assistance or specific types of benefits. Call the Eldercare Locator phone number from anywhere in the nation to find your local AAA. The national Administration on Aging web site also provides contact information for all AAA's. If you are referred to an AAA far from where you live, it is worth a call to get more information about publicly subsidized programs. You may also find it helpful to visit the Services and Benefits Available to Older Adults section of the Resources page.
What types of professionals are available to assist caregivers
and older people?
There are a wide variety of professionals in the field of aging working in government agencies, non-profits, and private companies working in the areas of social services, health care, law, financial services and more. It is important to first know what kind of help you need so that you can locate the right kind of professional or the right level of care. For instance, Senior Connections, an Area Agency on Aging in Massachusetts, has an extensive glossary of terms that can be helpful for any caregiver as well as a downloadable guide that includes detailed descriptions of different types of services and programs. In fact, your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA) is a good place to start to learn about the types of services and programs available. The national Administration on Aging web site provides contact information for all AAA's. If your AAA office is far from where you live, it is still worth a call to get information and assistance or lists of programs and services in your area. Other AAA web sites may also offer descriptions of various types of professionals or services including those in the Chicagoland area or Illinois. Explore the Services and Benefits Available to Older Adults section of the Resources page to learn more. You also may want to visit the list of Nationwide Directories to begin your search for a particular type of professional in your area.
How do I find a physician specializing in aging?
A geriatrician is a general practitioner who has received specialized training in aging. Geriatricians more likely to recognize how aging affects health conditions, how medications affect older people, and the complications related to multiple health problems. There are also geriatric specialists in various disciplines, such as psychiatry. However, the best option may be using a geriatric evaluation or assessment service, if one is available in your area. This type of service takes a team approach to evaluating a patient and managing health care. The team may include a primary care physician, a nurse, various specialists, and a social worker. A comprehensive assessment covers physical health, psychological and social issues, and the results are used to put together a care plan. The care plan is then shared with the older person, the family and doctors providing health care. To find a list of geriatricians or geriatric evaluation services in your area, you may want to start by contacting local hospitals. For more information about geriatric assessment explore the resources under Health Care and Aging. The Resource page also provides a link to a national directory of geriatricians to help you get started
How do I go about hiring someone to provide care in the home?
It is important to clarify your needs before looking for help. There are organizations that provide companionship, friendly visiting, or temporary respite care. Home care agencies provide more extensive help with bathing or toileting, often called personal care. Home health agencies offer specialized health care such as nursing or various therapies. Home health care provided by a professional such as a nurse or physical therapist is typically covered by Medicare, but only for relatively short term periods and is prescribed by a doctor. Unless you have a long term care insurance policy, you will need to pay for most personal care in the home. If you decide to find an individual without going through an agency, it is very important to assess their qualifications and training. Visit the educational module on Hiring Help to learn more about how to find the right person for you and your loved one.
How do I pay for long term care?
Medicare does not typically cover long term care; it only pays for temporary skilled nursing care or professional home health care after a hospital stay. The patient must have a specific diagnosis, which determines how long they will receive that care. Often the patient's condition must improve to continue receiving benefits. Furthermore, Medicare does not cover assistance with everyday tasks such as eating, bathing, dressing or using the bathroom. For those who qualify for public benefits, Medicaid will cover ongoing long term care costs, including help with everyday tasks. However, the vast majority of people who need ongoing care pay for it privately or have purchased long term care insurance. To learn more about what benefits your loved may qualify for, visit the Medicaid and Medicare government web sites, listed under the National section of Services and Benefits for Older Adults. To learn more about long term care insurance and other options visit the Other Care Alternatives section of the Resources page.
How do I select an assisted living facility or a nursing home?
When care at the home is not an option due to your situation or changes in your loved one, it can be overwhelming to find an appropriate alternative. Assisted living or supportive housing is one option depending on the requirements of the facility. When your family member is very dependent on others for help, a nursing home may be the only option. Visit the Other Care Alternatives section of the Resources page to learn more about different types of care settings and to find guidelines for how to select the right facility for your loved one.
When would consulting with an elder care attorney be helpful?
If you are dealing with complex or future decisions about your loved one's financial and health care, it may be helpful to consult a lawyer specializing in aging. The National Elder Law Foundation certifies elder care attorneys, who should be knowledgeable about health and long term care planning, Medicare, Medicare and Social Security, surrogate decision-making, and estate planning. For dealing with other issues related to end of life and health care, visit the educational module on Financial, Legal and Health Care Decisions. Some of the resources for Long Distance Caregiving (e.g., Aging Parents and Common Sense provided by AXA Financial) address legal and financial issues and provide descriptions of how to gather or prepare important documents. To learn more about how to prepare for future health care decisions, visit the Financial, Legal and Health Care Decisions module.