In addition to learning what resources are available, you especially need information about your loved one's mental and medical status. You need to collect data on health care, and legal and financial affairs. Many financial decisions need to be made at the planning stage, so they can be implemented when needed. For example, purchasing long-term care insurance or meeting Medicare eligibility requirements are steps that can affect plans both at home and in a nursing home. Talk to someone, join a support group and share concerns, especially with your elder, if possible.
Support groups are also great places to get tips and resources.
You can find them through hospital senior services, religious service organizations such as Jewish Family and Children's Services and Catholic Charities, the United Way, hospices and Area Agency on Aging offices. Also check with the Family Caregiver Alliance and Alzheimer's Association, as well as UC Berkeley's CARE Services. Most groups are free or very low cost and meet weekly, or at least regularly. See Selected Community Resources in this Guide . Set reasonable expectations for yourself.