Caregiver's Checklist

This checklist is designed to serve as a reminder of medical, legal and financial concerns caregivers will need to consider when a loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.

Medical

[ ] Referral to a physician (neurologist, psychiatrist or geriatrician) knowledgeable about Alzheimer's disease.

[ ] Complete diagnostic work-up.

[ ] Discussion with the physician regarding what is happening and what to expect.

[ ] Regular medical checkups.

[ ] Determine the individual's current level of functioning.

[ ] Know patient's medical history, medications and dosages.

Caregiving

[ ] Learn as much as you can about the disease and caregiving techniques specifically helpful in coping with this disease.

[ ] Identify/attend local support group meetings.

[ ] Attend caregiver training.

[ ] Develop knowledge of community resources.

[ ] Develop caregiving plans, including alternate plans for care of the patient in the event of your illness.

[ ] Determine what you are emotionally/physically able to do. Arrange for additional assistance through family, volunteers, respite care (home health care, adult day care or short-term respite care in a facility).

[ ] Make the home safe for the patient (accident-proofing).

[ ] Schedule regular medical care for yourself, reporting any changes in your health to your physician.

Legal

[ ] Determine if the patient needs assistance to manage his or her legal/financial affairs.

[ ] Consult an Elder Law Attorney knowledgeable in issues such as Medicaid, Medicare, Guardianships, Estate Planning, Trusts and Advanced Directives. (The Florida Bar at 1(800)342-8060 can give you a list of Elder Law attorneys.)

[ ] Contact attorney for advice regarding:

• Durable Power of Attorney
• Health Care Surrogate Power of Attorney
• Living Will
• Will
• Trusts
• Guardianship

[ ] If documents have been prepared previously, know location and check that they are up to date with current state laws.

Financial

[ ] Someone should assume the responsibility for:

• Checking Account (bill payments)
• Savings Account
• Other Assets (Money Market, Stocks, Bonds, CDs)
• Real Estate and other property (location of deeds)
• Safety Deposit Box-- Co-signer for box access (location of box and keys)
• Security Box or home safe (location and key combination.)

[ ] Review and determine the location of all insurance policies (Medical, Disability, House, Car, Long Term Care, Life Insurance, VA.)

[ ] Check for Waiver of Premium Clause on insurance policies.

[ ] Investigate patient's eligibility for financial assistance programs (see Section IV).

[ ] Determine the amount and source of all monthly income. Are any checks (Social Security, Retirement, etc.) sent direct deposit?

[ ] If the patient is receiving Social Security, do you want to be designated as the Representative Payee?

Funeral/Burial Arrangements

[ ] Know previously made arrangements for cemetery lot, funeral, etc.

[ ] Are wishes known regarding burial/cremation?

[ ] Autopsy arrangements.

Other

[ ] Driving (You must judge when the patient can no longer safely operate a motor vehicle.)

[ ] ID Bracelet for Alzheimer's disease patient, particularly if wandering becomes a problem.

For information on local resources in Pinellas and surrounding counties of Florida contact the following:

Alzheimer's Association, Gulf Coast Chapter (formerly Tampa Bay Chapter), at 727-578-2558 in Pinellas County or 1-800-772-8672 in other west central Florida counties. Web site: www.alz-tbc.org

Alzheimer's Family Organization at 727-845-6262 in Pasco County.
Web site: www.alzheimersfamily.org

Senior Helpline of the Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas, Inc. at 727-217-8111 or 1-800-861-8111 in Pasco County or use Search for Community Resources on our web site.