The financial, legal and health care issues involved in caring for aging parents or other elderly family members can seem overwhelming. Whether you currently care for an elderly family member in your home or expect to face a decision soon about finding the best care for your loved one, research and planning can help you develop a successful strategy.
Step 1
Gather the facts before deciding how to proceed, according to the website Strength for Caring. Establish whether the forgetfulness or confusion your elderly family member exhibits is a recurrent theme or seems temporary, possibly caused by new medications or other external factors. Compare her current behavior to what you consider her "normal" or previous baseline of activity or ability. Talk with her about how she feels regarding her health, social life and current living arrangement.
Step 2
Take your relative to see his doctor for a physical exam and mental assessment. Have your family member sign a release of information document, typically provided by the doctor's office, so you can discuss current and future health concerns with his physician. Ask his doctor to conduct a needs assessment that includes evaluations by a social worker, occupational therapist and physical therapist regarding the level of care and support your loved one might need in the months or years ahead.
Step 3
Review the legal and financial aspects associated with caring for an elderly family member. Collect and store information regarding bank accounts, Social Security number and life insurance policies. Schedule an appointment for yourself, your relative and other involved family members with an attorney or financial planner, preferably someone experienced in senior care. Discuss retirement benefits, health insurance, wills, power of attorney, property and other financial assets.
Step 4
Write down the short-term and long-term needs of your relative. List those things you can do and things you need help accomplishing. Help Guide recommends you contact family members, close friends or church members who might provide assistance with things like trips to the doctor or afternoon visits with your family member. Call a local hospital for information regarding adult daycare facilities in your community and other help for seniors.
Step 5
Pick the best overall solution for your family member's care. Weigh the financial aspects, safety issues and benefits versus risks of her staying at home with hired caregivers, moving in with you or relocating to a nursing home. Evaluate your ability to learn how to administer routine care that might include giving medications, monitoring blood pressure or providing other basic medical care.
Step 6
Keep your elderly family member in the loop when possible. Ask for his ideas regarding future living and care arrangements. Remain respectful of his feelings. Sympathize but stay positive as he addresses feelings about leaving his current home and other changes affecting his life.
Step 7
Install proper safety equipment if your family member will be living with you, such as grab bars in the bathroom, non-skid rugs and door alarms if she tends to wander away. Ask the team that did her care assessment to evaluate your home for fall risks, give you suggestions on furniture placement and make other recommendations to ensure her safety.
Step 8
Take care of yourself. Exercise regularly, engage in social activities and participate in hobbies you enjoy. Accept help from friends and neighbors when they offer. Join a support group for a safe place to vent and possibly learn more about resources available in your community.
