For many families there comes a time in life in which parents and elderly loved ones will require a certain level of assistance in their daily lives. For some families it is easier for a family member to take on this role, but for other families it is necessary to call in outside help from professional caregivers. Here are some tips for choosing a caregiver you can trust, from a leading elder law attorney in New Jersey.
- Know your loved one’s needs: Every elderly person’s needs are different based on their health, age and even their personality, and your loved one is no different. Take some time to write down exactly where help is needed, whether it is assistance with household chores, cooking and transport or fully-trained 24-hour medical assistance.
- Choose experience and training over affordability: Elder care costs are on the rise, but choosing an inexperienced and untrained caregiver could end up costing more in the long run. Qualified caregivers know how to help your loved one not only with the activities they are tasked with, but also with improving their quality of life. They help prevent falls and accidents in the home and can spot illnesses quickly and take action before it becomes more serious.
- Check qualifications and monitor care: Elder abuse is a sad reality, so it’s vital that your caregiver gets a thorough background check before you hire them to ensure they are who they say they are, have correct references and qualifications, and do not have a criminal record. Once they are working for you, it’s a good idea to regularly check in by phone or in person to ensure the proper level of care is being maintained and that your loved one isn’t being taken advantage of.
- Ensure estate plan and legal documents are in order: One of the best ways of preventing financial elder abuse is to ensure that your loved one’s estate is in order. A medical directive will ensure that their desired level healthcare is noted and carried out by a trusted representative, and a Financial Power of Attorney will provide the same security for their finances and assets.
Speak to a qualified, compassionate elder law attorney in NJ today
If you would like to help your loved one get the legal assistance that their estate needs, speak to Frank R. Campisano today. Experienced in elder law, compassionate and committed to his clients, you’ll receive the highest quality legal expertise and guidance. In addition to sound elder law advice on Medicaid assistance and Medicaid planning, you can also prepare additional estate planning documents, such as your Last Will and Testament, Power of Attorney documents, medical directives and trusts. For a free consultation, please contact us today and visit our website at https://www.scclegal.com/