As a caregiver, here are some questions to consider when trying to decide:

• Are we making more frequent trips to the emergency room or hospital?
• What kind of changes in the condition of my loved one can we expect in the months ahead?
• Are we facing more and more decisions about treatments and/or medications?
• How has my own health been affected by my role as caregiver?
• Am I feeling sad, exhausted, angry, isolated, guilty, anxious or depressed because of the changes in our lives?
• Is the illness affecting our quality of life?
• How is the pain affecting the quality of life of my loved one?
• As a caregiver, am I still able to take care of my own daily activities such as bathing, dressing and eating?
• Is there any kind of assistance that would allow me more time and energy to spend on the things most important to my loved one and me?
• Is there a resource available to answer my questions in the middle of the night or on weekends when I am most anxious or concerned?
• Is there a back-up plan if something would happen to me?