Consider the legal and financial implications

Start thinking about some of the difficult legal and financial issues you may face as a caregiver.

If your loved one goes into a nursing home, how will they afford it? Would you sell their house? How does power of attorney work? Do they have a will? Tackling these issues can be upsetting. But it's best to know the details so you're not taken by surprise. Talk to a geriatric care manager, a social worker, an elder law attorney, or get in touch with a caregivers' organization.