How can you best prepare ahead of a crisis? Or have things in order ahead of when changes start to become evident? Do your homework and research ahead of your parent needing help. Here are some key areas to consider:
We always advise families and individuals who come to Aging Wisdom for guidance and ongoing support to first get their legal paperwork in order. This is essential.
Legal paperwork: Have you and your parents completed completed estate planning documents (powers of attorney, wills, and advance directive)? If so, have you reviewed them lately to make sure they still reflect your/their wishes? And Elder Law attorney can help you prepare or review these documents. You can contact us for an attorney referral or you may find an Elder Law attorney here: https://waela.org
Finances: make sure you understand your parents' financial situation. What is their monthly income? Do they have long-term care insurance? If so, do you understand what it covers? When does it kicks in? If they don’t have long-term care insurance, how much do they have saved to pay for long-term care costs? How many years of care would this savings cover?
If your older loved one is at home and needed support, you can start slowly and start small by offering in-home assistance. Wendy offers some suggestions such as a home care nurse to manage medications, someone to come to the home to prepare fresh, healthy meals, or a professional caregiver to assist a few hours a week.
Sometimes coordinating some regular companionship is helpful too, to address isolation and improve overall quality of life. Social isolation can often happen as mobility and cognition changes. A companion can assist with driving, activities, outings, and engagement.
If you are interested in exploring in-home assistance or engaging a senior care companion for your parent, we can help. Schedule a free, get-acquainted call here to talk with one of our care managers.
Resources and Supports:
How can you best prepare ahead of a crisis? Or have things in order ahead of when changes start to become evident? Do your homework and research ahead of your parent needing help. Here are some key areas to consider:
We always advise families and individuals who come to Aging Wisdom for guidance and ongoing support to first get their legal paperwork in order. This is essential.
Legal paperwork: Have you and your parents completed completed estate planning documents (powers of attorney, wills, and advance directive)? If so, have you reviewed them lately to make sure they still reflect your/their wishes? And Elder Law attorney can help you prepare or review these documents. You can contact us for an attorney referral or you may find an Elder Law attorney here: https://waela.org
Finances: make sure you understand your parents' financial situation. What is their monthly income? Do they have long-term care insurance? If so, do you understand what it covers? When does it kicks in? If they don’t have long-term care insurance, how much do they have saved to pay for long-term care costs? How many years of care would this savings cover?
If your older loved one is at home and needed support, you can start slowly and start small by offering in-home assistance. Wendy offers some suggestions such as a home care nurse to manage medications, someone to come to the home to prepare fresh, healthy meals, or a professional caregiver to assist a few hours a week.
Sometimes coordinating some regular companionship is helpful too, to address isolation and improve overall quality of life. Social isolation can often happen as mobility and cognition changes. A companion can assist with driving, activities, outings, and engagement.
If you are interested in exploring in-home assistance or engaging a senior care companion for your parent, we can help. Schedule a free, get-acquainted call here to talk with one of our care managers.
Resources and Supports: