I Am a Caregiver: I Want to Prepare for Changing Care Needs
Care needs can change gradually or sometimes more quickly than expected. Planning ahead can make it easier to respond when someone needs additional support, while giving everyone involved more time to discuss options, understand preferences, and make thoughtful decisions together.
The guides below will help you recognize changing needs, talk about additional support, understand available care options, and prepare for future decisions. Follow them in order to plan ahead step by step, or begin with the guide that best matches the decisions you’re facing right now.
Follow These Guides in Order:
1. Recognizing When Care Needs Have Changed
2.Recognizing When Someone May Need More Help
3.Talking With Someone About Accepting Help
4.Planning for Increasing Care Needs
5.Creating a Caregiving Plan
6. Coordinating Care With Family & Other Caregivers
7.Understanding Help at Home & Community Support Services
8.Understanding In-Home Care & Respite Care
9.Understanding Aging in Place
10.Exploring Independent Living, Assisted Living & Other Housing Options
11.Understanding Senior Living & Long-Term Care Options
12.Planning for Long-Term Care & Future Costs
13.Talking With Family About Your Wishes & Future Needs
14.Understanding Advance Care Planning & Medical Wishes
15.Understanding Wills, Powers of Attorney & Healthcare Proxies
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Want to keep learning?
Alison offers free online courses across a wide range of practical and professional subjects. If you’re new to caregiving, the free Introduction to Caregiving course offers additional beginner-friendly training on the caregiver’s role, communication, supporting people with disabilities, managing caregiver stress, time management, and organizing care.
