A legal Checklist for Family Caregivers #6: Think beyond your loved one

[AARPMichaelP]

If a parent passes away or becomes unable to take care of people who depended on them, you may need to take on additional caregiving roles. This includes assuming responsibility for adult children with special needs. Make sure that child gets every available benefit, such as SSDI, local and state disability, special education programs and transportation assistance.

You may also need to assume oversight of benefits of the surviving spouse, too, by making sure he or she is the beneficiary of your loved one's IRA, bank account, life insurance policy and pension benefits. Your loved one may have also made a plan for pets in their will and set aside money to pay for their care.

Below you can find other legal checklist items for family caregivers:

A legal Checklist for Family Caregivers #1: Have the right documents

A legal Checklist for Family Caregivers #2: Make a family plan

A legal Checklist for Family Caregivers #3: Organize important papers

A legal Checklist for Family Caregivers #4: Explore potential financial help

A legal Checklist for Family Caregivers #5: Look for tax breaks and life insurance deals