Your parents cared for you in your younger years but now your positions have traded places. It can be emotional and challenging to see your parents getting older and to recognize that they need help. When it becomes clear that your senior parents need help, you have to face some important decisions. Here are some of the things you need to consider.
How Independent Can They Be?
Most seniors want to remain independent as long as possible. They may fear the loss of freedom or independence that would come from leaving their home. In some cases, it’s still possible for your parents to stay in their home, but they may need more assistance than they once did.
Are You Able To Provide Care They Need?
Many working adults with aging parents are still dealing with their own careers. Few can leave work indefinitely to care for their senior parents, although some do make this choice. You may be able to work from home more often, use flex-time arrangements or take short-term medical leave to attend to your parents’ needs. However, it’s also important to be realistic about your own financial needs, especially if you’re considering quitting your job. You need to prepare for your own future, too.
What Medical Issues Do They Face?
How to handle your parents’ care depends a lot on the extent of any medical issues you face. If your parents have significant medical needs, you almost certainly will benefit from hiring a caregiver to help you take care of them. While you can manage many aspects of their care, you can’t be expected to handle their medical needs alone.
Have You Had Those Important Legal Discussions?
If you and your parents have never had those important but uncomfortable conversations about legal issues, now is the time to do so. You need to find out your parents’ wishes for their own health, particularly in emergency situations. Do they have advanced directives or a living will? Who is their designated power of attorney in a situation where they no longer have the capacity to make decisions on their own behalf? You need to not only discuss these issues (preferably with an attorney present), but also get the details in writing. Learn more about Living Wills and Advance Directives.
It’s also essential to get some help. Whether you can only get someone from home healthcare to come in for a couple hours once a week or if you need daily assistance, it’s important to know your limits. There are so many agencies, organizations, and support groups that can help you step up to this challenge. Getting a bit of help can make it easier to be a caregiver.
For questions or to learn more about Assisted’s Home Healthcare and the services we offer, call 800-949-6555 or visit us at www.AssistedCares.com.
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