As people age, they often lose some degree of independence and require assistance to go about the activities of daily life. As such, they will often need caregivers. While there are numerous options for seeking care from qualified medical professionals, many people prefer to provide care for their loved ones themselves. Becoming a family caregiver can be a rewarding experience, but there are challenges people should consider when preparing to take that step. If you intend to become a family caregiver and want to learn more about what that entails, it is wise to speak with an experienced estate planning lawyer.
What to Expect When Becoming a Family Caregiver
Caregivers typically help people with personal tasks, like bathing, getting in and out of bed, getting dressed, taking medication, and eating. They may also perform household chores, like laundry, cooking, and cleaning. In addition to helping their family member with daily activities, family caregivers should take measures to make sure their loved ones can safely remain in their homes. Among other things, this means preventing falls, providing them with assistive devices, which may include chair lifts, and modifying their living environment to install safety devices like handrails.
Family caregivers should also encourage their loved ones to engage in any estate planning that may help them to protect their rights and their ability to get the care they want or need in the future. For example, they may want to grant their caregiver power of attorney to allow them to make medical or financial decisions on their behalf. They should also ensure that any estate planning documents that they have already executed, like a will, are valid and updated. Finally, they should consider executing a living will.
Getting Compensated for Being a Family Caregiver
Caring for an ailing family member often causes financial hardships. Fortunately, New York law allows family caregivers to be compensated for providing care for loved ones under certain circumstances. Factors that impact whether a person can get paid for being a family caregiver include whether the person receiving care or their spouse is a United States veteran, the assets and income of the person who requires care and the type and level of care they need, and the kind of insurance they have. The caregiver’s relationship with the recipient of the care affects their ability to get paid as well, as some programs only pay relatives, while others do not pay spouses.
Talk to a Dedicated Estate Planning Attorney About Becoming a Family Caregiver
Many people choose to become caregivers for their loved ones as they age. While family caregivers often feel their endeavors are worthwhile, they can also experience stress and hardships. As such, it is important for anyone preparing to become a family caregiver to fully understand what it entails and examine what measures they can take to make their experience better. If you are interested in obtaining more information about becoming a family caregiver, you should meet with a dedicated estate planning attorney. Call The Law Offices of Louis P. Lepore at 718-354-8646 to schedule a meeting.
