Family Caregiver Legal Rights 101: Legal Checklist to Help Caregivers with Aging Parents

As a caregiver for your aging parent, you may be feeling stressed out and overwhelmed. Between family caregiver legal rights, taking care of your elderly parents, and day-to-day stress, there is a lot to navigate. This round-up features a helpful family caregiving checklist to get you started.

These are steps you can take to make life easier on yourself and your loved one. From speaking with doctors to setting up aid and navigating caregiver law, this guide takes you step by step. Let's jump into family caregiving 101.

Have the Tough Conversations with Aging Parents

Having tough conversations with your aging parent is one of the most important things you can do for them. It can be a difficult conversation to have, but it's vital that you do it sooner rather than later. The sooner you start talking about their wishes the better.

Start by letting them know that you'd like to legally help with their care, doctors, visits, and living arrangements. If they are ready for it, ask them for their end-of-life wishes and if they have their legal documents in order.

Determine Legal Authority as Family Caregivers

The first step in planning for your parent's future is to determine what legal authority you have. You may be the primary decision-maker, or you might share that responsibility with other family members or friends.

Depending on where your mother or father lives and the type of care they need, there are several different types of legal authorities. Medical Power of Attorney (POA) gives someone else the authority to make medical decisions for an elder when she becomes unable to do so herself.

See What Aid You Qualify For

The government provides a number of programs to help you with the cost of caring for your parent. Many of these programs are available through your local department of social services or human services office. Common aid programs include Medicare and Medicaid, veterans benefits, meal delivery services, and paid home health care services.

Caring for a loved one is expensive. Take advantage of these free resources to help ease the burden.

Make Care Plans

A care plan is a document that outlines the steps you will take to meet your parent's needs. You and your parents can write it or with the help of an elder law attorney who specializes in this area.

A good care plan should include when care is provided, the timing of visits, and appointments. You can lay out a calendar, for example, with their doctors' appointments, physical therapy sessions, and when in-home care is provided.

You may split responsibilities with siblings, professional aides, health care providers, or friends, for example. A care plan keeps everyone on the same page.

Work with Your Elderly Parent's Doctor

One of the first steps in taking care of your aging parent is to work with their doctors. Doctors can help you understand your loved one's medical needs and what kind of care they need. Doctors will help sort out different medications and what they need at home to stay safe and comfortable.

Call About Family Caregiver Legal Rights Today

If you have questions about family caregiver legal rights, caregiver law, and getting financial assistance to pay for helping aging parents, you've come to the right place. We can help get you and your elderly parents aid and get you paid as a caregiver.

You don't have to do this alone. Fill out the contact form here to learn more about legal rights for caregivers, getting paid as a caregiver, and to check your eligibility.

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