FAMILY CARE PLANNING TOOLKIT
Planning for Care
Before a Crisis
The best time to learn about care options is before you desperately need them. ♥
Families often begin looking for help after a fall, hospitalization, sudden decline, or when a caregiver is already exhausted. At that point, every decision can feel urgent.
Learning about your options early does not mean you have to start care today. It simply means that when more help is needed, you already know where to turn.
WHY PLAN AHEAD?
It Is Much Harder to Make Decisions When Everyone Is Overwhelmed
When a family waits until care is urgently needed, they may suddenly be trying to compare agencies, understand costs, arrange schedules, coordinate family members, and make important decisions while also worrying about someone they love.
Planning ahead gives you time to ask questions, understand your options, talk honestly as a family, and make decisions based on what is best rather than what can be arranged the fastest.
Planning ahead is not giving up independence.
In many cases, planning early is exactly what helps someone remain independent at home longer.
WHAT SHOULD WE WATCH FOR?
Signs It May Be Time to Start Talking About More Help
You do not have to wait for a major emergency.
Changes Around the Home
- Housekeeping is becoming difficult
- Laundry is piling up
- Food is spoiling or meals are being skipped
- Mail or bills are going unopened
- The home is becoming less organized than usual
Personal Care Changes
- Bathing or grooming is becoming more difficult
- Clothing is not being changed regularly
- Getting on or off the toilet is harder
- Getting in and out of bed is becoming unsafe
- Walking or transferring requires more assistance
Safety Concerns
- Recent falls or near-falls
- Leaving appliances on
- Difficulty remembering medications
- Getting confused or disoriented
- Driving is becoming concerning
Family Caregiver Stress
- One family member is doing almost everything
- Caregiving is interfering with work or sleep
- Family members are becoming exhausted or overwhelmed
- Resentment or disagreements about care are increasing
- The caregiver rarely gets a break
START HERE
A Simple Family Care Planning Checklist
Talk with your loved one.
Ask what is becoming difficult and what kind of help they would feel
comfortable accepting.
Identify the biggest concerns.
Is the issue personal care, meals, medication reminders, mobility,
companionship, transportation, housekeeping, or safety?
Figure out what family can realistically provide.
Be honest about work schedules, distance, children, health, and other
responsibilities.
Learn about care options before you need them.
Call agencies, ask questions, understand pricing, and find out what
services are available.
Gather important information.
Keep medical contacts, medications, insurance information, emergency
contacts, and legal documents organized.
Create a backup plan.
Think about what would happen if the primary family caregiver became
sick, had to travel, or suddenly could not provide care.
START THE CONVERSATION
Talk About Care Before Everyone Is Under Pressure
Conversations about needing help can be emotional. Some people may worry that accepting care means losing independence or that their family is trying to take control.
Try focusing the conversation on the person’s goals:
The goal is not to take independence away. The goal is to find the right support to help preserve it.
WHEN YOU START LOOKING FOR CARE
Questions to Ask a Home Care Agency
AFTER A HOSPITALIZATION
Do Not Wait Until Discharge Day to Think About Home
Coming home safely requires a plan.
Before Discharge, Ask:
- Will they be safe alone?
- Can they get in and out of bed safely?
- Can they use the bathroom without assistance?
- Who will prepare meals?
- Who will pick up prescriptions?
- Are there new medications or instructions?
- Will someone need to stay overnight?
- Are mobility aids or medical equipment needed?
- How will they get to follow-up appointments?
Hospital discharge can happen quickly.
If you think your loved one may need assistance at home, begin contacting care providers before discharge whenever possible.
Waiting until they are already home can leave families scrambling to arrange help at the exact moment everyone is most tired.
GET ORGANIZED
Information Families Should Be Able to Find Quickly
Keep this information somewhere trusted family members can access during an emergency.
EVEN IF CARE ISN’T NEEDED YET
There Are Things You Can Do Today
Understand the difference between companion care, personal care, and other support options.
Ask your loved one what matters most to them if they eventually need more help.
Identify a few local care providers before you urgently need one.
Gather important medical, insurance, legal, and emergency information.
Create a backup plan for times when family caregivers cannot be available.
Revisit the conversation as your loved one’s needs and abilities change.
WE’RE HAPPY TO TALK BEFORE YOU NEED US
You Don’t Have to Wait Until Care Is Urgent to Call
You may not need Home Sweet Home Care today — and that’s okay. Sometimes families simply want to understand what services are available, what care costs, and what the process would look like if things changed.
We would much rather help you learn about your options while you have time to think than have you trying to figure everything out during a stressful situation.
A conversation today can make tomorrow a little easier. ♥
MORE HELP FROM OUR RESOURCE CENTER
Continue Planning
More planning. Less panic. ♥
Want to Learn About Your Care Options?
Whether care is needed now or you are simply planning ahead, we’re happy to answer questions about companion care, personal care, schedules, and what support at home can look like.
