Take this test to get a snapshot of your financial needs. Check numbers 1, 2, or 3 for each question on the list. Then get your score by adding up the numbers you selected.

What is your loved one’s money outlook?

_____ (1) Has few if any financial assets

_____ (2) Doesn’t qualify for government assistance programs

_____ (3) Is able to pay for needed support and care

What is your money outlook?

_____ (1) No money to give to your loved one’s care

_____ (2) Only a little money that will soon be used up

_____ (3) Able to take on financial support of your loved one

In the future, the financial situation for either you or your loved one is expected to:

_____ (2) Remain stable

_____ (3) Improve

Can the decision to have in-home caregiving be reversed?

_____ (1) No, it can’t be reversed.

_____ (2) It can’t be easily reversed.

_____ (3) It can be easily reversed.

How long will the in-home caregiving last?

_____ (1) It’s expected to be long-term.

_____ (2) The time period is uncertain.

_____ (3) It’s expected to be short-term.

Are there legal issues for your loved one’s care?

_____ (1) There are complicating legal problems.

_____ (2) There are a few minor legal problems.

_____ (3) There are no legal problems.

Do you or your loved one need to move to a new location?

_____ (1) It’s needed but not wanted by both you and your loved one.

_____ (2) It’s needed but not wanted by just one of you — either you or your loved one.

_____ (3) It’s not needed, or if it is, it isn’t a problem.

Is your home big enough?

_____ (1) It isn’t big enough, doesn’t have the right equipment for care, and renovation isn’t possible or affordable.

_____ (3) It’s the right size and is equipped to provide the needed care.

Is there enough privacy in your house?

_____ (1) Privacy for each household member is not possible.

_____ (2) Privacy can be arranged for each household member with minimal effort.

_____ (3) There’s time and space for each household member to have some privacy.

Now add the numbers you’ve checked. A lower score means your budget situation is less manageable. You’ll need to spend some time working out a budget and getting some financial advice about paying for your loved one’s care. A higher score means your situation is easier to plan.

The lowest possible score on the test is 9. The highest possible score is 27.

Your score: _____