Below are the top 10 care-planning areas that are sure to cross your path. Think about your answers to this quick list, and you’ll be on your way to providing better care.
Medical issues: What resources and skills will be needed? Are you well trained enough? Who can help?	Community: Take a look at what community resources may be needed (including home care, nursing care and retirement living), and how they can be accessed.
Legal and financial issues: This includes who will be responsible for what. Do you have wills and powers of attorney close by? Is the family in agreement? Who is in charge?	Safety: Look for hazards in your elder’s home. Things to consider include the risk of falling, fire hazards and security issues. Is your loved one safe?
Day-to-day activities: How is the person coping now? What will change? What needs to be done to keep things going?	Work and family: Can you afford time off work, both financially and from a career perspective? Have you spoken to your boss and discussed what’s “coming down”? Is everyone supportive or are there barriers?
Mobility: How will your elder get around? Is there a need for a cane, crutches,walker, scooter or wheelchair?	Volunteering: Do you have local commitments that’ll need to be canceled or cut back? Will you have time to help out in the community where your parents live?
Environment: Review living arrangements and plan for adjustments. Stay at home or move? With support or not? Where are friends and family?	Caregiver: Don’t forget yourself. Look at ways to ensure you stay strong, healthy and able to provide the necessary care and support. Take a break before stress and responsibility put you over the edge.
	Caroline Tapp-McDougall is the publisher of Solutions and the author of The Complete Canadian Eldercare Guide, which is available at your local bookstore on on-line at www.wiley.ca

n