It can be difficult to know what steps to take when aging parents need help.
You may feel overwhelmed and not sure where to start. The good news is that there are many resources available to help you navigate this difficult time.
In this blog post, we will outline 11 steps that you can take when your parents need assistance. We hope that this information will help make the process a little bit easier for you!
Step One: Access Your aging parent's health-focused needs
The first step is to have a conversation with your parents about their needs. It is important to be respectful and consider their wishes. You may want to ask them:
How they would like to receive help.
Would they prefer that you hire someone to come in and assist them?
Or would they feel more comfortable if you were the primary caregiver or another family member helped them out on a more regular basis?
It is important to have this conversation so that you, your aging loved ones, your family members, and other family caregivers can be on the same page.
If your parents are impaired or starting to show signs of memory loss, dementia, or other serious medical conditions it is important to get them help as soon as possible. If they are not cognitively impaired, you may want to wait until they request help before taking action.
You can start by hiring a home health aide to come in and assist with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, and grooming or visit one of the local senior centers or an adult day care center near you.
Step Two: Research Senior Living Solutions
The second step is to research your options. There are many different types of care that your parents may need. You will want to take some time to learn about the different options and what each one entails. This way, you can make an informed decision about what will work best for your family.
Here are just a few of the care options that you may want to research:
Transportation services: There are many companies that offer transportation services for seniors and disabled adults.
Home care services: These services can provide your parents with assistance with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and grooming.
Adult day care: This type of care can provide your parents with social interaction and recreational activities during the day. The benefits of adult day care are many including health care services, medical services, gentle exercise, dementia care, memory care, social and emotional support, as well as individual and group programs.
Assisted living facilities: These facilities provide housing, meals, group programs, and personal care services for seniors who need assistance with activities of daily living.
Nursing homes: These homes offer 24-hour medical care and supervision for seniors who require more extensive or all-inclusive care.
Step Three: Create A Budget & Research Financial Assistance
The third step is to create a budget. Once you have an idea of the type of care your parents need, you will need to start planning for the associated costs. This includes things like medical expenses, housing costs, and the cost of any care services that you hire.
It is important to be realistic about what you can afford so that you can make the best decisions for your family.
There are many ways to finance long-term care, so be sure to explore all of your options. You will want to make sure that you are able to comfortably afford the care that your parents need.
Step Four: Find A Reputable Senior Care Provider
The fourth step is to find a reputable provider. There are many different types of care providers out there. You will want to do some research to find one that is reputable and has a good track record.
Be sure to read reviews and talk to other families who have used their services. You will also want to make sure that the provider is licensed and insured. This way, you can be sure that your parents are getting the best possible personal care.
Step Five: Meet The Senior Care Provider
The fifth step is to meet with the senior care provider. Once you have found a few providers that you are interested in, you will want to set up a time to meet with them.
This is your opportunity to ask questions and get more information about their services. Be sure to bring along a list of questions so that you don't forget anything! Here are a few to ask your local area agency.
What kind of care do you provide?
What kind of health services do you offer? Do you provide health-related services such as blood pressure monitoring, vision screening, or physical therapy?
How much experience do you have as primary caregivers?
What are your rates?
What are your policies?
Do you offer any discounts?
What is included in your services? (Make sure you ask about any therapeutic services that your parent requires.)
Can you provide references?
Do you have activities for mental stimulation?
Is there social interaction with other older adults? Do you provide local outings, and holiday and birthday celebrations?
Are there nutritious meals? Are special diets accommodated?
Step Six: Make A Decision
The sixth step is to make a decision. After meeting with the care providers and doing your research, you will need to make a decision about who to hire. Be sure to take your time and make the best decision for your family.
Step Seven: Get Started
The seventh step is to get started. Once you have made a decision, you will need to start making arrangements. This may include hiring someone, setting up a schedule, and getting your parents' home ready for care.
Step Eight: Stay On Top Of Things
The eighth step is to stay organized. It is important to keep track of appointments, medications, and other important information. Be sure to create a system that works for you so that you can stay on top of everything.
And remember to be involved in your parents' care. You will want to make sure that you are checking in on them and their care regularly. This way, you can be sure that they are getting the best possible care.
Step Nine: Patience is a Virtue
The ninth step is to be patient. Caring for aging parents can be a lot of work. It is important to be patient and understand that things may not always go as planned. Be sure to take breaks when you need them and ask for help when you feel overwhelmed.
Step Ten: Don't Forget About You
The tenth step is to take care of your personal needs. It is important to remember that you need to take care of yourself, too. Be sure to make time for your own health and well-being. This will help you avoid caregiver burnout and be a better caregiver for your parents.
Step Eleven: Make A Decision
The eleventh step is to reach out for help when you need it. There will be times when you feel like you can't do it all. That's okay! There are many resources available to help you care for your aging parents. Be sure to reach out to family and friends, as well as professional organizations, when you need support.
Conclusion
We hope that these 11 steps will help you when your aging parents need assistance. Remember, you are not alone in this journey! There are many resources available to help you every step of the way.
If you or someone you know is caring for aging parents, we encourage you to reach out for help when needed. If you live in the Las Vegas, Nevada area, and are considering an adult day care program, we can connect you with a two-week free trial at our adult day care center. Visit our website or give us a call at (702) 655-2101 to learn more. We are here to help!
Do you have any tips for caring for aging parents? We would love to hear from you in the comments below!
Thanks for reading! We hope this was helpful. If you have any other tips or advice, please share them with us in the comments below.