HealthBridge's In-Home Care Blog

Jumping into the conversation of care options with an aging loved one is not a quick or easy decision to make.  It is a thought process you personally navigate, and then negotiate with other family members prior to presenting the idea to the actual care recipient.  Use the list of questions below as both a personal brainstorming tool and as conversation starters with other involved parties.  This is an excellent starting point that will spark many other questions more specific to your personal situation.

1. Is your loved one generally safe at home alone?
2. Is your loved one's current residence going to meet his/her needs in the future?
   
3. Is your loved one currently able to manage all activities of daily living?  (ADLs = bathing, dressing, eating, transferring from bed to chair and back, toileting, ambulation)
   
4. Do you see signs of personal hygiene being compromised? (messy hair, stained clothing, general body odor, bad breath/dirty teeth)
   
5. What tasks are currently the biggest challenges for him/her?
   
6. What time of the day is most difficult for him/her?
   
7. Is your loved one eating nutritious meals daily?
   
8. Can he/she still transport themselves safely to appointments and to run errands?
   
9. Are the medications that have been prescribed by a physician being taken properly?
   
10. Has your loved one's mood changed to seem lonely and depressed at times?  Could your loved one benefit from some additional companionship?
    
11. Who would care for your loved one if he/she became much more dependent tomorrow?
    
12. What resources are available to afford the cost of increased care? (monthly income, long-term care insurance, Veteran's benefits, family contributions)
    
13. Is anyone currently involved in caring for your loved one suffering from caregiver stress?