Caring for elderly parents can be rewarding experience, but it’s essential that caregivers understand all of its challenges before accepting this responsibility. Starting conversations early with them about caregiving can reduce some of the strain associated with caregiving; using our checklist for caring for aging parents as a starting point and ensure it goes as smoothly as possible.
At the top of your checklist for caring for aging parents should be making sure their daily needs are being met – also known as Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). ADLs include tasks like bathing, dressing, eating and mobility that could benefit from professional home health care services if your parent is experiencing difficulties with them.
Your next task when caring for an aging parent should include making sure they have all of the appropriate legal documents – such as healthcare power of attorney, will and living trust documents – in place. This can prevent family members from fighting over estate and medical decisions should something happen to your loved one.
At this stage, it’s also important to take an in-depth review of your parent’s finances, making sure they have adequate life and long-term care policies as well as insurance cards and health care information stored safely in an accessible place. Furthermore, discuss any upcoming needs your parent might have and ways you could meet those requirements.
Speaking to your parents can be difficult, yet essential for meeting their needs as they age. If you need help initiating or preparing for these conversations, there are numerous online resources that can assist in this regard – the AARP article offers advice for starting these talks and an interactive discussion tree can also help keep everyone organized. Another helpful option comes from Home Instead Senior Care Network with their helpful checklist guide families through this process.
When visiting your aging parents, always conduct a comprehensive home safety inspection in order to identify any hazards or potential risks in their environment. This could involve installing grab bars in the bathroom or adding ramp access for exterior access; furthermore it would be prudent to remove tripping hazards such as loose carpeting or clutter around their house.
At some point, all seniors require some form of assistance with their daily needs. This could involve hiring a home health aide or moving them into an assisted living community; to be prepared when this time comes you need to plan ahead so you have all necessary resources available when the time comes. Beginning this discussion while they remain healthy and independent can reduce stress, disagreement, and conflict down the road – for more details see our comprehensive guide on guiding aging parents through transition from independent living to dependent living.