This “quiz” will help determine if you should consider stepping in as a caregiver or making arrangements for a caregiver to visit regularly.

If I were to leave the country tomorrow, would my loved ones be self-sufficient?

• I would say yes, with complete confidence.
• I would worry, but my loved ones would be fine.
• I would have to hire someone to help my loved ones for a few hours every week.
• I would have to arrange for skilled nursing care.
• They cannot be left alone, so I cannot leave the country.

My loved ones are in control of their mental facilities.

• They show no signs of difficulty.
• They show minimal memory loss from time to time, but nothing serious.
• They need assistance with bill paying.
• They sometimes forget how to get home.
• Their ability to make decisions is so poor that they danger themselves.

My loved ones are in control of their daily physical functioning.

• They are as active and healthy as ever.
• They need help getting out of bed.
• They have become increasingly dependent on wheelchairs.
• They need additional monitoring; they have lost bladder and/or bowel control.
• They are bedridden.

My loved ones’ medications are under control.

• They do not take medications.
• They only take one or two mild medications.
• They have always been able to manage their medications, but have recently become dizzy and confused.
• I have to help my loved ones keep track of their medications.
• They have been hospitalized because of drug interactions, such as overdosing by forgetting to take or making a mistake with medications.

My loved ones are sociable and happy.

• They are active and happy.
• They are not as active since a recent illness.
• They do not go out or visit with friends as often since their spouse has died.
• They are increasingly reluctant to leave the house.
• They are depressed and housebound.