Organizing Information:
Once you have a better sense of your loved one's needs, you can start working on a plan of care. You're about to be inundated with more than you ever wanted to know about the pitfalls of age and infirmity, and it will help if you can organize the relevant information. Some of it is just a matter of gathering information and putting it in a safe place. Here are some forms to get you started:
Print these forms to fill out. You may want to make copies for others who might be involved in care, especially those at a distance who may be listed as emergency contacts.
Creating a Jobs Checklist:
Once you've gathered some basic information, you'll want to brainstorm with all concerned about what bases need to be covered for your loved one. The work to be done – and who can do it – will vary tremendously from situation to situation. But there are some common basics. Whatever the situation, your loved one needs food and shelter, a functioning home, access to medical care, bills paid. The Jobs Checklist is a helpful starting place for identifying tasks and assigning point people to address them.
Getting others involved:
Concerned family and friends will probably be offering to help – and they're a valuable resource. You'll want to take them up on their offers, and also to keep them in the loop about what is happening and what is needed.
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