What types of challenges, large or small, does your loved one face in daily life? By becoming more aware of this question, you'll be better prepared to spot a problem early, so you can talk about it with your loved one and find help if needed. To focus on this question, you may find it useful to think about your loved one in relation to the following types of lists:

• The basic functions of daily life for which your loved one may now or soon need assistance.
• Some common activities for which your loved one may now or soon need assistance.
• Your loved one's specific activities, behavior, and health.
• Your loved one's current "support structure" — personal and professional.

Taken together, these lists will create a "profile" of your loved one's needs, and serve as the basis for determining a plan of action.

Making a profile of your loved one's needs

To assist you, we have created a simple "check-off" version of the list described above, for you to print and fill out. Your responses will create a complete profile checklist of your loved one's needs, for use in discussions and decision-making with your loved one, family, friends, and care providers. We recommend that, if you call or visit us at Renaissance Gardens, you refer to the list when you speak with a Renaissance Gardens health care counselor. View and Print List