It can be a mere slip in the bathroom floor or a stumble over an errant rock in the yard, but little accidents like these can mean the start of a series of difficult decisions regarding your elderly parents or relatives. Few people think about old age while they are still young and capable. However, time zooms past and sooner than later, your parents are nearing their late 60s and early 70s. The aches and the pains begin to manifest, and you will have to make some hard choices regarding their well-being. Here are some steps to guide you along the road to taking care of your elderly relatives.
It pays to be prepared
It is best to talk to your parents early on regarding their preferences in terms of elderly care. Most people would prefer staying at their own home and just have a caregiver tend to their needs when necessary. Many companies offer caregiving services dedicated to each patient’s preferences. Another option is to engage the services of retirement facilities and homes. Retirement homes in Ohio offer a variety of options including faith-based continuous care retirement homes and small private nursing homes. All retirement options cost money, thus, it is best to be financially prepared. The earlier you talk to your parents with regards to their preferences and your financial capabilities, the earlier it will be for you and them to prepare for this eventuality financially.
Home care
The most financially viable option is to do home care and just engage the services of a caregiver on an as-needed basis. To prepare the house for an elderly occupant, make sure to remove booby traps. Replace slippery rugs and install grab bars in the bathrooms. There are aging-in-place specialists that can assist in making the home friendly to aging occupants. If a fulltime caregiver is still unnecessary, you may utilize products that will enable you to keep track of their activities without compromising their privacy. This can be done through special motion sensors that will alert you if the elderly parent has taken too long to leave from the bathroom or has not left the bed yet. Notifications can be sent to your mobile phone for that ultimate mobility.
Retirement Care facility
When choosing retirement care housing, location is important. It must not be so far that you will not be able to visit as often. Costs are also important. Retirement costs include housing, food, and retirement care. Never mind the hype or the advertisements. Visit the facility together with your parent. Stay for a night to get the feel of it. Talk with some of the occupants to get candid impressions about the facility. Visit on different seasons to be sure about the weather conditions. Be sure to do this beforehand so you’ll have ample time to make the right choice.
Other necessary documents
Inform the parents to execute a Healthcare Power of Attorney while still able. This will take care of the legalities when it comes to medical decisions when the parent is unable to make one. Talk with your parents if they would like to execute a living will, which would detail the person’s medical preferences such as a DNR or Do-Not-Resuscitate order. Collate financial documents and other legal documents and store them somewhere safe. It is best to make preparations early on so as not to be taken by surprise.
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