Many families are new to elder care and in deciding on an aging loved one's needs. Below is a basic list of ways to understand what your loved one requires in the household and in terms of services.

      1. How to assess what your loved one's care needs are.

a. What time (s) of the day is the greatest time of need? (Meal time, medication time, bedtime, bathing time, doctor's appointments, etc).

b. What are the greatest needs? (Errands, transportation, meal preparation, household maintenance, bathing supervision, medication reminders, dressing assistance, etc)

c. What is the most appropriate service? (Live-in home care, live-out home care, adult day care, nursing home, assisted living facility, continuing care retirement community, meals on wheels, emergency alert system, etc). Or perhaps a combination of services?

d. Would home modifications help? (Stair lifts, grab rails, hospital bed, commode, bathing aides, etc)

e. What would you require of the home care provider?

2. Consider professional services.

a. Geriatric care manager.

b. Nurse advocate.

c. Elder law attorney.

d. Financial advisor.

e. Doctor evaluation.

f. Local office of aging counselor.