Caregiver Checklist for Bringing an Elderly Family Member Into the Home

Even active and independent individuals age. While senior care facilities have improved, many choose to bring their elderly family members into their own homes. This living situation enables able-bodied family members to serve as caregivers, tracking the physical, mental and emotional health of seniors. Before welcoming seniors into your home, it is essential to prepare for their arrival and take steps to ensure their living situation is comfortable, convenient and beneficial to all involved.

Feasibility

• Discuss the feasibility of this living situation with their physician. Many conditions require 24-hour care or the use of special equipment. If it is not possible to provide the ideal environment in your personal home, a nursing home may be the only option. Talk with the doctor about hiring a home health aide or live-in nurse to provide in-home care. Make sure that you understand the care regimen that will be necessary.

Budget

• Review your monthly/annual budget and plan for a new household member. Include costs for food, shelter, entertainment, insurance and medical care. If out-of-pocket expenses are unreasonable, talk with other family members, community organizations and the local department of human services. These resources may be able to provide additional cash, monthly allowances, information about tax deductions and other supportive services. Build a savings for emergency and unexpected expenses.

Make Space

• Clear space for a new household member. Take into consideration mobility obstacles (e.g. staircases, ramps). Make necessary repairs and remodel. Purchase furniture if necessary.

Talk With Elder

• Discuss the move with your elderly family member. Try to hash out disagreements before committing to the move. Many seniors resent the implication that they are incapable of independent living. This is particularly true of people who have lived alone for many years. Work through these issues, involving a mediator or counselor if necessary.

Talk With Household

• Discuss the move with the other members of your household. If not previously involved in planning, include others in the budgetary plan. Make sure that all are aware of their responsibilities as caregivers. Decide on a primary and secondary caregiver. Rearrange schedules as necessary. List emergency contact, medication regimens and other priority tasks. Post listed items in safe, visible location.

Move

• Move your elderly family member and her effects into your home. Do not throw items away without prior permission. Purchase additional storage space if practical and necessary.

Shut Down

• Close-up his previous residence. Shut off utilities. Change his address with the United States Postal Service at least 2 weeks prior to final move. Clean and vacate a rented place. Rent, sell or close up private property.

Paperwork

• Plan for medical complications, deteriorating conditions and eventual death. Clarify your authority as primary caregiver (i.e. Power of Attorney). Know what authority you have to facilitate your elder's legal and medical affairs. Look into the creation of a living will or estate plan while your elder is still capable of conducting her own business. Make sure all medical and legal documentation is in order.