Many people take on the role of caregiver and have questions like: What will caregiving entail? Where can I find help? What are the steps to Caregiving? Caregiving is no small undertaking. It’s best to have a plan.

Loved one’s needs and your needs (as caregiver) may change over time, so your caregiving plan will also need to change. Start by Answering these Questions from Harvard Health:

  • For whom are you caring?
  • What precipitated the need for care?
  • Is the situation short-term (e.g., for someone who needs care while healing from surgery or an injury) or long-term?
  • What care or services will the person need?
  • Aside from basic needs, what does your loved one want? For example, elderly parents may want to continue living independently at home rather than move in with you or to a nursing home. How can you help the person meet these goals?

Next, have an open, honest conversation with your care recipient about what both of you expect to determine what issues need to be addressed. Check out AARP’s Prepare To Care Resource Guide with simple, straightforward information and checklists that help guide family conversations.