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Tips for Planning Ahead...

Options Counseling

for Caregivers

and their Loved Ones or Care Recipients

As important as it is to plan, many people

don’t want to think about getting older or

becoming dependent on others. Conversely,

the recipients we care for may not have

had the time or forethought to plan ahead.

Just talking with your loved one is a great first step.

Arm yourself with knowledge about long-term resources

for both you and your loved one. While you can do this

by looking at information on the Internet, talking with

your health care provider or even friends, the Office on

Aging and Independence provides a no cost, confidential,

unbiased service known as Options Counseling. You can

ask for Options Counseling by contacting the Maryland

Access Point (MAP) and speaking with a specialist

Reasons for putting off planning may include:

Some may be uncomfortable discussing this subject,

making it difficult to explore and define their plans

.

Many feel they have don’t have the time to plan, or feel

their time too valuable at this stage in their life to take

the time to plan

.

Others may find the challenge of planning overwhelming

and don’t know how to proceed

.

There may be a denial of what will happen as they age

.

Many people don’t know how to navigate complex

information systems and so remain unaware of

resources available to them

.

Caregivers are unaware that in addition to planning for

themselves they can help plan for their loved ones or

care recipients

.

What are the Benefits of Options Counseling?

Options Counseling is defined as a person-centered,

decision-support process whereby individuals receive

help in their deliberations to make informed long-term

support choices. Important in the process is to consider

an individual’s preferences, strengths, and values.

How can Options Counseling help the caregiver and

the care recipient with planning for future needs?

• Ensure greater independence when care is needed and

increases the choices for receiving care.

• Learn about available short- and long- term community

supports and services.

• Determine what part of your loved one’s assets and

income can be allocated for long-term care.

• Learn which are accessible at no cost vs. those that might be

fee based.

• Design a plan that is agreeable for the caregiver and care

recipient.

• Reduce the emotional and financial stress on the

caregiver, care recipient, and family.

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H OWA R D C O U N T Y C A R E G I V E R G U I D E