Maybe you’re caring for an aging family member and need a break. Or maybe you can’t provide the care that person needs because you live far away, are too busy, or just don’t feel competent. That can leave you feeling guilty that you’re not pitching in, and anxious about who will. Here are some steps to help find the assistance you might need.   

What help is needed?
Discuss that question with the person involved, but also look for clues—piles of unopened mail, an empty refrigerator, a decline in cleanliness. Ask for impressions from doctors, friends, and neighbors.  The AARP provides assessment advice (www.aarp.org/families/caregiving; 888-687-2277). Or hire someone.  Contact the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers (www.caremanager.org; 520-881-8008).A consultation costs about $80 to $250.  What can you afford?

The National Council on Aging (www.benefitscheckup.org; 202-479-1200) can direct you to programs designed to help older people afford home care. A geriatric-care manager can help determine if Medicare or Medicaid will cover home-care costs. And an “elder” lawyer can advise you (typically for about $150 to $300) on strategies that protect assets while retaining eligibility for such coverage.  Contact the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (www.naela.org;  520-881-4005).

Where do you look?
For extensive care, it’s often best to let a geriatric-care manager take over. That
can save you the time, expense, and worry of scouting out services, hiring trustworthy aides, and monitoring ongoing care.

Caregiver Resources
• Caring From a Distance (www.cfad.org; 202-895-9465)
•  Family Caregiver Alliance (www.caregiver.org; 800-445-8106)
• The National Family Caregivers Association (www.nfcacares.org; 800-896-3650)
• The National Respite Network (www.archrespite.org;  919-490-5577)
Source: www.ConsumerReportonHealth.org