If you are caring for an elderly grandmother or are facing that decision, you are not alone. According to the National Family Caregivers Association, more than 50 million people care for an elderly family member. It may be an easy and natural decision to make for a loved one in need, but there are many difficult issues. It is almost impossible to be prepared fully for the impact it will have. As you work through the information and choices, be sure to include your grandmother--and other family members--in all decisions.
Step 1
Assess her medical and physical needs. If necessary, take her to a physician for a complete assessment and diagnosis. Talk to the doctor about treatments, prognosis and how daily living is affected. Will she need short-term temporary help following an illness or hospitalization? Will she need long-term care because she can no longer live independently?
Step 2
Consider what you can manage. Talk to anyone you know who has already traveled this path. Listen to their stories, take a deep breath and think about your ability to manage all aspects of elder care. If she has Alzheimer's, are you prepared for sleepless nights? Does she have sufficient finances or will you need to contribute? Can you manage her personal care or will you need help?
Step 3
Research living options. Ask her physician what level of care she needs, which will be based on her ability for self care. Can she safely live alone in her own home with assistance from a visiting nurse, meals-on-wheels or you visiting daily? What if she needs 24-hour supervision? Find out what part-time or live-in care is available and how much it costs. Visit the assisted living facilities and nursing homes in your community to learn about expenses and to get a sense of which option is acceptable.
Step 4
Collect important papers. Check for legal documents--will, durable power of attorney for health and finances, living will--and if they do not exist, get everything in order while your grandmother can still participate in decisions. Make sure you have her birth date, Social Security number, health and life insurance information, a list of her current physicians and a basic medical history.
Step 5
Apply for benefits. If she does not already have Medicare or Medicaid, find out if she is eligible and apply. Ask your pharmacist about prescription assistance that may be provided by the state. If she is a veteran, or if her husband is a veteran, call the local Veterans Affairs' office and ask about health and long-term care benefits. If she has dementia, look into hospice services that will provide in-home care, such as personal aides, visiting nurses and respite.
Step 6
Add safety features to the house where she will live. The bathroom needs to be equipped with features appropriate for her needs, such as bath or shower chairs and commode seats. Put grab bars in the tub and install a hand-held shower head. Remove throw rugs or torn carpeting that may cause her to trip. Consider options such as a walk-in tub, ramps to replace stairs and multi-level countertops.
Step 7
Seek community resources. Check with your local Agency on Aging, county health department or a social worker at a nearby hospital about programs, such as elder daycare and transportation to medical appointments.
Tips and Warnings
- Learn as much as you can about her mental and physical condition and any special diet or care requirements. If she has any form of dementia, be prepared for the behavioral and emotional changes.
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