Harford The Caregiver's Toolkit

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64 T H E C A R E G I V E R ’ S T O O L K I T
CHAPTER 6
DISABILITIES
Circle of Support
Many of us rely on the support of others as
we experience challenges in our lives. This
support may come in a variety of circles that
could include family, friends, neighbors, faith
community, coworkers, and professionals
who may provide us with a service.
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to assist in determining needs, exploring options,
and developing a plan of care for the individual with
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of current and future care needs and by the number
of people directly involved in a person’s life. In
some instances, assistance may be needed from
a community agency or faith-based organization
to help coordinate and/or facilitation of the circle.
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those involved to support the person in their care.
This could be direct care or it could be coordination
of the care provided by community agencies.
However, if the care is to be implemented, it
should be directed by the person receiving the
care or by someone he/she has appointed.
Managing Personal Affairs
It is important for individuals receiving
care to put their affairs in order in case of
unexpected events. Take the time to plan and
discuss their wishes. Placing one’s affairs
in order is a vital part in the plan of care.
The following areas should be addressed:
• Medical – Determine who is to make medical
decisions when the individual is not able to do
so. Determine what measures are wanted to
save and/or prolong life, such as being placed
on life sustaining equipment. Determine what
the individual wants done with their body
after death. Documents to consider include:
living will, DNR order (Do Not Resuscitate),
and/or medical power of attorney.
• Financial – Determine who is to make financial
decisions when the individual is unable to make
them. Determine how finances and personal
property are to be handled and what is to be
done upon the person’s death. Documents to
consider are: Social Security Representative
Payee Form, living will, financial power of
attorney, and Last Will and Testament.
• Legal – Determine who is to make all decisions
when the individual is not able to make
them. Determine how decisions are to be
handled. Documents to consider: living will,
guardianship of person and/or property, powers
of attorney, and Last Will and Testament.
• End Of Life – Determine who is to carry out,
or in some cases who may have to decide,
what the individual would want after their death
including what is to be done with the body, type
of service or arrangements, and type of burial.
There are many resources available to
aid in managing an individual’s personal
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• Maryland Attorney General’s Office
or 1-888-743-0023
• Disability/Elder Law Attorneys
or 202-452-0000 or
or 1-800-233-7201
• Harford County Office on Aging
www.harfordcountymd.gov/services/
aging or 410-638-3303
Caring For Those With Disabilities (continued)
Planning for Now and the Future
Harford County Department
of Community Services
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