As the Canadian population ages, the need for at-home family caregiving is expected to increase substantially. And while caring for a loved one can be very rewarding, it can also be very challenging, with multiple responsibilities and complex demands on your time, energy and finances.

If you are in a caregiving role, you’re likely experiencing increased physical and emotional stress, and need medical and legal information. You may also find yourself involved in sensitive conversations about a loved one’s physical or mental limitations. We can help make these difficult conversations easier by coming at the topic from a different angle – perhaps by starting a discussion about updating their financial plan or will.

You may also now have financial concerns, especially if you find yourself subsidizing the cost of care. Whether they live with you or have moved into an assisted-living space, the additional cost of caring for a loved one can be difficult to manage if it is not planned for. We will help you review your circumstances and create a revised budget that considers these additional expenses.

And finally, if you haven’t already, we will help you look carefully at your own life and put together a caregiving plan for yourself. It’s best to do this before the need becomes critical, when you have time to talk things over with everyone involved. Establishing a plan gives you the opportunity to express your wishes for housing and long-term care and also helps you prepare financially. Removing many of the unknowns will leave your loved ones feeling less anxious and more confident about their role when the time comes to care for you.

Remember that caregiving is a process – usually beginning with the need for "just a little help now and then" and often escalating as the person’s functional ability declines. It is important to stay on top of your changing situation and make adjustments to the plan as you need.