Most often, the journey of caregiving begins after a loved one begins to show symptoms of Parkinson’s disease or Alzheimer’s disease, or following a diagnosis of either disease. Because these diseases are progressive in nature, the amount of care required changes over time.
Most commonly, independent living is possible for a time, especially if there is another healthy adult or spouse in the home. As the disease progresses a full-time caregiver is often required for safety purposes. Some families manage to provide this care until the end stages, while others may need to consider nursing homes and eventually hospice care.
All of these options carry a financial burden, ranging from lost wages of a family member to several thousand dollars a month for skilled nursing care. The cost of care typically corresponds to the number of daily living tasks that the person needs assistance with on a daily basis.
Regardless of the type of care arrangements your family decides on, you will need to do thorough planning to make sure your loved one’s care is financially covered. An experienced elder law attorney is the safest bet for ensuring your loved one’s needs are met.
