Caring for aging parents can sometimes feel like an overwhelming task. The territory is unfamiliar at best.
Here are some basic tips that can help you when entering into the journey of becoming a parent to your parents.
Do Not Wait to Do Your Research
Illness and other debilitating issues can come up quickly with senior adults. Begin doing your research when your parents are within 2-3 years of retirement or earlier if they are facing health issues.
Questions to ask are:
- Can my parents continue to live in their home?
- What options do we have for caring for them in their home?
- If they need to be in an assisted living home, what kind of care will they need?
- What type of insurance do they have?
- Will Medicare cover all their expenses?
- Do they have any supplemental insurance (Medicare Plan B) or funds to help with their care?
- Which family members will be helping in what ways with their care?
- Do they have a Living Will?
- What are their requests in the event of a catastrophic health crisis?
Know Their Health Situation
The unknown health issues of your parents can catch you off guard. Make a list of the health issues they are facing, the doctors (and contact numbers) they see and most importantly...ALL medications they are taking. In the event of an emergency room visit this is vital information to know.
What Is Their Financial Standing
Parents may feel a bit invaded when you begin to ask questions about their finances, but it is important to know where things stand in the event that senior adults can no longer care for themselves. Make sure that a trusted family member is listed on any bank accounts in the event of an emergency. Encourage them to have a will in place to assure that their wishes are followed. You will also need to be informed as to where all legal documents are. kept. If finances are an issue make a plan to sit down and discuss alternatives for staying in the home.
Are you financially secure to "help" supplement their income? Are you willing to allow them to live with you? Are they open to living with a family member? All these questions should be addressed.
In the end while caring for your parents can be a daunting thought, with careful planning and open discussion this can be a time of joy and new commitment for both of you.
