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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