THE FIRST BASIC CLUES
Mom lives alone.
Who does Mom live with?
Her daughter goes to Mom's house every evening after work.
What are you currently doing to help Mom?
The son lives 45 minutes away and can't provide regular help.
What does the current caregiving situation look like?
Mom has stopped going to church because she doesn't feel comfortable driving.
What is something Mom used to do that she doesn't anymore?
We're thinking about 12 hours.
What led you to 12 hours?
Her daughter is helping with meals.
Who is currently helping Mom with meals?
Her daughter has started missing work to help Mom.
How is helping Mom affecting you?
The daughter and son disagree about how much care Mom needs.
What questions or concerns does your brother have about care?
Mom spends most of the day alone.
What amount of socialization does Mom have?
We just want someone to check on Mom.
What does "check on Mom" look like to you?
Have there been any recent falls?
Her daughter hasn't had a night to herself in three weeks.
How much time are you currently spending caring for Mom?
The daughter is handling almost everything herself.
How is managing so much of Mom's care affecting you?
Mom is afraid she'll fall when no one is there.
What does Mom do when she's home during the day?
Let's start with 12 and increase if we need to.
What would need to happen fo you to feel more care was necessary?
Mom isn't showering regularly.
What personal care tasks is Mom having difficulty with?
The daughter is exhausted but feels guilty asking for help.
How are you feeling about everything you're managing?
The daugher has missed 4 days of work in the last month to help take care of Mom.
How has this impacted you?
Mom desperately wants to remain independent.
What is important to your Mom when it comes to having care?
I think 12 hours should be enough.
How will you handle Mom's care when we're not there?
Mom's needs have increased over the past three months.
What has changed recently?
The daughter isn't sure how long she can keep doing this.
How sustainable is the current situation for you?
The family is waiting for something to go wrong before asking for more help.
What concerns you about waiting until something happens?
Mom doesn't think she needs a caregiver.
I don't want Mom to have someone here all the time.
What concerns you most about having someone here more often?