| 1) Are you getting depressed, having anxiety | | | | 7) Whether I provide the care or outsource, do I |
| attacks or getting physically ill from it? | | | | have the right home care products and medical |
| REMEMBER TO REMIND YOURELF the importance | | | | supplies to provide the best care possible? |
| of your well being and health. It is not possible to | | | | REMEMBER there are over 100,000 products |
| provide good care if you are not healthy and | | | | available, with new ones every day, designed to |
| cared for. | | | | make the home care/care giving job the best it |
| 2) If you are in a relationship, is that relationship | | | | can be! |
| suffering as a result of your care giving? Or is | | | | You have a lot of choices for home care. Call |
| your ‘caring for’ relationship | | | | around and check each option in your area. Ask a |
| preventing you from having other | | | | lot of questions. Ask for Free, in-home |
| ‘relationships'? | | | | consultation. Ask about policies of each home care |
| REMEMBER: I am sure that the person you are | | | | options. Do they do background checks? How are |
| caring for wants most for you to be happy and | | | | the employees hired? Do they require deposits? |
| healthy. Take the time to have your own time. | | | | What type of notice to change services is |
| 3) Are your children being neglected (because of | | | | needed? |
| your physical or emotionally distractions?) | | | | Remember, it is important to thoroughly look into |
| REMEMBER: the person you are caring for wants | | | | each option for home care service for your loved |
| you to be happy and emotionally stable. Most | | | | one. If at a nursing home or assisted living home, |
| generally, if family, the children you may be | | | | meet all levels of staff. Visit during the day, night |
| neglecting are their grandchildren. | | | | and weekend as staff is usually different. |
| 4) Are you following a cultural script that is | | | | If a group home, do the same as the above. |
| consistent with your own values? | | | | Also, ask what the backup plan is primary |
| REMEMBER: Are you doing what you’re | | | | caregiver is ill. Ask about potential charges above |
| doing because it is what others expect you to do | | | | standard rates. |
| or it is what you think you | | | | If private home care. Be careful about hiring |
| “should” do? | | | | privately as you may be obligated to the IRS to |
| 5) Does Caring for your loved one make your | | | | pay social security taxes, medicare taxes for |
| feel good or bad about yourself? | | | | your caregiver. Remember the "nanny" tax that |
| REMEMBER to be honest with this one. Do what | | | | hit the press a few years ago. The same applies |
| makes you feel good. | | | | here. Saving a few dollars per hour may sound |
| 6) Are you giving something positive to your | | | | intriging, but may cost much more if doing so |
| loved one that they could not get otherwise? | | | | outside the IRS. |
| REMEMBER many people are taking advantage of | | | | If hiring a home care company. Ask to speak |
| in-home care, companion care and other services | | | | with the owner. Is it a franchise? Can I meet the |
| and find themselves spending more quality time | | | | caregiver prior to starting? Notices needed? |
| with their loved ones allowing others to assist with | | | | This is a big decision, so spending the time on the |
| activities of daily living. | | | | front end will be well worth the effort! |