Talk to the doctors, nurses, your pastor or rabbi. Go to the library or local bookstore and look for information on your loved one's illness. Look in the telephone book for your state or local aging office, organizations such as Eldercare, or a private clinical social worker, who can come to the home regularly or just one time to assess the needs. These social workers can help with anything from advice on available government programs to helping locate a mechanized bed. If your loved one is terminally ill, check to see if a hospice is listed.
Hospice provides compassionate service and support to the ill individual and to caregivers.
Or call a national organization. These organizations, many of them geared to specific physical or mental illnesses, can give you information about what is available in your own community. It's important for families to plan ahead, so they don't have to deal with difficult issues in the middle of a crisis. Hold a family meeting to discuss how to handle tough issues and divide responsibilities among family members. Write down your decisions, and give a copy to everyone involved.