Maneuvering
Through the Social
Service Maze
CAREGIVING RELATIONSHIPS
For People Who Care For Adults
University of Illinois-Extension &
University of Wisconsin-Extension
Things to Consider:
Care-receiver’s & family’s
circumstances & wishes
Independence of care-
receiver
Realistic goals/plan for future
Living arrangements
Financial & legal aspects
Informal support systems
CAREGIVING RELATIONSHIPS
For People Who Care For Adults
University of Illinois-Extension &
University of Wisconsin-Extension
Aging Network
Eldercare Locator
Bureau of Aging and
Disability Resources
Area Agencies on Aging
County/Tribal Aging Unit
Local Service Providers
CAREGIVING RELATIONSHIPS
For People Who Care For Adults
University of Illinois-Extension &
University of Wisconsin-Extension
Other Sources of
Information:
Other caregivers
Support groups
Health care professionals
Home care agencies
Parish nurses/Clergy
Friends and family
CAREGIVING RELATIONSHIPS
For People Who Care For Adults
University of Illinois-Extension &
University of Wisconsin-Extension
Types of Eldercare
Services
Adult day services
Homemaker services
Home delivered/senior dining
Respite care
Home health care
Transportation
Medical equipment suppliers
CAREGIVING RELATIONSHIPS
For People Who Care For Adults
University of Illinois-Extension &
University of Wisconsin-Extension
Eldercare Services
(continued)
Senior centers
Information & assistance
Senior subsidized housing
Assisted living
Retirement communities
Care/Case managers
Nursing facilities
Legal assistance
Benefit specialists
CAREGIVING RELATIONSHIPS
For People Who Care For Adults
University of Illinois-Extension &
University of Wisconsin-Extension
Selecting Resources:
Review family needs
List formal & informal
support
Record necessary
information
Ask each contact for the
same information
Find out what documents
are needed
Prepare ahead for
appointments
CAREGIVING RELATIONSHIPS
For People Who Care For Adults
University of Illinois-Extension &
University of Wisconsin-Extension
Selecting Resources
(continued)
Utilize support specialists
Designate one advocate for
each area of assistance
Keep all information current
Keep everyone informed
Record all contacts made
including dates & names
Explore rights to appeal if
services are denied
CAREGIVING RELATIONSHIPS
For People Who Care For Adults
University of Illinois-Extension &
University of Wisconsin-Extension
Make A Plan
List tasks
Decide who is responsible
List agencies involved
Write it down
Continue to evaluate and
change as needed
CAREGIVING RELATIONSHIPS
For People Who Care For Adults
University of Illinois-Extension &
University of Wisconsin-Extension
Caregiving Goals:
Safety
Health
Happiness
Independence
CAREGIVING RELATIONSHIPS
For People Who Care For Adults
University of Illinois-Extension &
University of Wisconsin-Extension