a senior caregiver’s checklist

Whether it’s daily tasks or planning for long-term needs, we’ve got plenty of tips for you.

Daily Routines

The best way to determine your loved one’s level of assistance is to ask.

• Does he need help completing personal care tasks like bathing, dressing or using the bathroom?
• Can she prepare her meals, and is she getting enough nutrition?
• Can he do chores like laundry, dusting, vacuuming, taking out the trash or washing the dishes?
• Is medication management an issue?
• Is she able to get up and move around the house safely?
• Do he have a medical or emergency alert device?

It’s important to revisit your senior’s daily routine often as needs can change. And providing quality senior care isn’t a one-person job. That’s why it’s essential to define the roles of friends and family members in a care plan.

Medical Needs

Attending your loved one’s appointments allows you to understand their medical needs and chronic conditions and gives you a chance to ask questions. Ensure all paperwork is up to date, and ask your senior if you’re listed on the medical information release. Other medical management tasks may include:

• Organizing and refilling prescriptions
• At-home therapy
• Taking vitals like blood pressure, glucose level and body temperature
• Scheduling follow-up appointments
• Providing transportation

Financial Information

Having your senior loved one’s financial affairs in order now will save you time and hassle down the road. It’s also important to get input about their wishes while they’re still able to make their own decisions. Here are some things to consider:

• Ask if your loved one has insurance policies, retirement plans, pensions or veteran’s benefits.
• Verify if she’s eligible for or covered by Medicare, Medicaid or Social Security Disability Insurance.
• Contact his healthcare providers to determine which medical services are covered by your loved one’s insurance policies.
• Research tax breaks for healthcare costs, such as medical equipment and home healthcare.

Legal Documentation

Keep your senior’s legal documents organized so you can answer questions and follow through on their wishes. Collect and organize these documents:

• Birth certificate
• Social Security card
• Marriage/divorce certificates
• Citizenship papers
• Property deeds
• Insurance policies
• Military paperwork

And remember to ask legal questions, including:

• When was the last time your loved one updated her will?
• Does the current will still reflect his desires?
• Does she have a power of attorney in place?
• Do you have access to his bank account(s) so you can pay his bills and medical expenses?

Call 216-378-2050 or contact Embassy Healthcare online to learn about our personal approach to resident care and financial support.