Thoughts To Keep In Mind To Make Life Easier For You And Your Older Loved One.

Watching a parent start to move about with more difficulty is never easy to observe. Often the household tasks such as cleaning and laundry get divided up amongst the siblings. The decision to no longer drive for safety reasons has an effect on the entire family. Giving up the keys creates the need for assistance to go to the grocery store or a doctor’s appointment. But there are some other important factors in taking care of elderly parents. Many times, these go overlooked until there is a problem.

Top Things to Consider When Developing A Care Plan For Taking Care of Elderly Parents:
  • Be organized by gathering all relevant personal documents and information. Some examples include: wills, trusts, power of attorney paperwork and advance health care directives or do not resuscitate orders, medical records, insurance, financial information on all assets and liabilities, and more.
  • Look to see if your employer offers a flexible work schedule to allow for time needed to take care of elderly parents, or paid or unpaid leave. Contemplate the financial ramifications when making changes that are related to employment.
  • Understand that providing care for a family member has financial implications. Many studies indicate that family caregivers spend over $5,000 every year directly on care needs. This amount is over and above job-related lost wages.
  • Gather everyone involved in providing care, including your senior loved one. Together, agree upon a written agreement of the care plan. At first, this may seem unnecessary. However, making sure the care details are in writing helps eliminate future squabbles. 
  • Do not forget about caring for yourself. That needs a plan as well. It is just as important to allow for much-needed time for self-care and to provide a safe, trusted outlet for your feelings. Beyond close friends and immediate family, consider alternative options such as from your place of worship, a therapist, a counselor or in-person caregiver support groups. There are also disease-specific organizations, such as the Alzheimer’s Association. Use the internet to find others in the same position as you.

For more information, check out this to do list.

Professional Home Care Services Can Help

Turning to experienced in-Home Caregivers is another great source of assistance to both the senior and also for the family members delivering their care. Supplemental care services help family members to take much-needed breathers from providing care to focus on their needs, or just simply to relax and enjoy some downtime. The best way someone can care for another is to first take good care of themselves.

Hibernian Home Care, located in Howell, NJ, and servicing Monmouth and Ocean Counties, has additional tips about putting a comprehensive plan in place for assisting in taking care of elderly loved ones. We are available to help fill in any gaps in a care plan with our professional Home Care services. Call us at (732) 481-1148 or contact us online for assistance.