It's a big, complicated job, and somebody's got to do it. What you need to know to provide for your loved one.
Some 20 million boomers are caring for their families while trying to provide care for aging parents
Few know what they are getting into
But there are some extraordinary resources available
The smartest approach is to plan ahead, recognizing that someday you will be a caregiver or someone will be caring for you
some tips to help lighten the load
two legal documents that experts say are vital
first is a health-care proxy
second critical document is an advance directive, also known as a living will
At a minimum, a caregiver should have a document called durable power of attorney
make sure your parents have wills
make an existing home safer
qualified home health-care
independent senior communities
continuing-care retirement communities
assisted-living facilities
Ask for help from siblings
senior centers and the local Area Agency on Aging
clipped from: www.msnbc.msn.com 