At some point in their lives, your aging parents may face health complications that come with getting older, no matter how self-sufficient they are. When your aging parents need help, it can be a challenging and emotional time. Here are some steps you can take to ensure that they receive the support and care they need:
1. Have an open and honest conversation: Talk to your parents about their needs and concerns and ask if they have thought about the kind of care they want as they age. Listen to their wishes and respect their autonomy. Discuss the types of assistance they might need and explore different options. Inquiring about your parents’ care preferences is crucial. Having an open and honest conversation about costs is also important since different types of care can vary significantly in expense.
2. Assess their needs: Consider their physical, emotional, and cognitive health, as well as their living situation. Are there any health issues they are dealing with, and what medications are they currently taking? What is their ability to manage daily activities such as cooking, cleaning, and bathing? Having answers to these questions can help to plan accordingly.
3. Research available resources: Look into local resources such as home care agencies, assisted living facilities, and senior centers. Traditional types of care and living facilities are:
Home Care Agencies: Typically offer a range of care and companionship services for people living at home.
Residential facilities: Living communities that include personal care, social activities, and meals, generally do not include medical care.
Assisted living facilities: Typically offer a range of care for people who need some assistance with daily living, generally do not include the full care of a nursing home.
Nursing homes: Generally offer a wide-range of care for those requiring medical assistance.
Continuing care retirement communities: These offer a larger-scale combination of residential, assisted living and nursing home residences and services for the elderly.
Each of the facilities offers different care options and cost. Analyzing the cost of these facilities, in addition to understanding your parents’ medical and social needs, can help you with your selection.
4. Create a care plan: Based on your parents’ needs and preferences, create a plan that outlines the type and frequency of assistance they require. This plan should include tasks, such as meal preparation, transportation, and medical care. It’s important to know if they have long-term care insurance in case they require extended care. This type of insurance can provide peace of mind by helping cover the cost of caring for an aging parent who needs help with daily activities. When income or assets to cover the cost of care are not available, consulting an elder law attorney who specializes in Medicaid may be helpful in understanding how to assist your parent in qualifying for long-term care assistance.
5. Seek professional advice: Consult with a geriatric care manager, social worker, or elder law attorney to help you navigate the complex issues related to aging and care. It is essential to confirm whether your parents’ end-of-life documents are current and accessible. These documents may include estate planning, living wills, financial power of attorney, and healthcare power of attorney. If your parents’ health changes unexpectedly, you may need to create or modify some of these documents, particularly if you require access to their accounts.
A financial power of attorney assigns someone to manage their finances in case of incapacitation, while a healthcare power of attorney designates someone to make medical decisions on their behalf if they are unable to do so. If your parents do not have these documents, consult with an elder law or estate planning attorney to assist you.
6. Involve other family members: Reach out to siblings, extended family members, and close friends for support. Determine how everyone can contribute to the care plan, including financial and emotional support. The emotional toll of caring for elderly parents can be overwhelming, so it’s crucial to take care of yourself. The Area Agency on Aging, which is part of a national nonprofit network serving those aged 50 and older, is a valuable local resource to help identify meal delivery, transportation services, respite care, and home care aides.
7. Review and adjust the plan: As your parents’ needs change, regularly review and adjust the care plan. Reassess the available resources and consider different options, such as home care or assisted living, to ensure that your parents are receiving the best possible care.
