Did you know that approximately 85% of older adults in the United States have at least one chronic health condition?
It’s very difficult for older people to cope with the challenge of managing both an illness and the treatments they need. Caring for elderly parents isn’t easy, and often it’s tough to know how you need to step in to help them manage.
Keep reading this guide to learn what you need to consider when you’re caring for your elderly parents.
Caring for Elderly Parents
To ensure you’re meeting the needs of your aging parents, it’s best to break things down and start with the basics. You’ll first need to identify specific changes in your parents’ health so you can start a discussion, which includes:
- Gradual decline in health
- New health issues
- A new diagnosis or specific treatment plan
- Sudden health emergencies
- Forgetting medical appointments and dates with friends
If you notice changes in their habits and routines, sit down and start an open discussion. Let them know you’re on their side and want to help them maintain a better balance.
Take this time to discuss their wishes and how they want to be cared for when they can no longer care for themselves. End-of-life discussions are difficult but essential to have at this stage.
Healthcare Needs and Medical Appointments
Your next step is getting a good handle on their medical needs. You’ll need to take steps to understand their overall health, which include:
- Meet with their family doctor to discuss any medical concerns
- Ensure they’re taking their daily medications
- Schedule monthly prescription refills
- Address any fall risks they may have
You’ll also want to address any safety risks they might have in their home. This is the time to get assistive care devices in place to help them bathe, use the toilet, and prepare meals without issues.
You can also consider investing in monitoring technology like a necklace or bracelet with a GPS that allows them to call for medical help quickly.
Financial and Legal
A crucial part of caring for your parents involves helping them get their finances in order. Ensure you address things like:
- Check into benefits like Medicare and Medicaid
- Look over their health insurance plan to see if it covers skilled nursing or home health visits
- Check into any retirement benefit coverage
- Look for tax deductions on things like medical equipment and caregiver costs
You’ll also want to make sure you can access your parents’ bank accounts to pay bills if they’re not able to. In addition, organize important papers like birth certificates, property deeds, military discharge papers, and insurance policies in easy-to-access file folders.
Living Arrangements
If one or both of your parents have significant health issues or dementia or Alzheimer’s, you’ll need to discuss living arrangements sooner rather than later.
This is by far one of the most stressful parts of caring for an aging family, but the sooner you begin this process, the easier it will be.
When home health care visits aren’t enough, you’ll need to explore about assisted living options. You can start by researching the elder care facilities you’re considering and visiting them to get an in-person look at their living spaces and care options.
Getting the Best Care for Your Elderly Parents
Remember, patience is key when caring for elderly parents, and open and honest discussions are always the first place to start.
The best part about caring for your parents is that you’ll learn more about them throughout the entire process.
If you’re ready to learn more tips, check out our blog for more health and lifestyle articles that will improve your life!
