If you have a family member over the age of 65, it’s likely you’ve thought about the possibility of becoming a family caregiver as well as hiring professional home care services. To make sure your senior loved one receives the best care possible in the future, it’s a good idea to start planning for in-home care now.
Talk to Your Loved One
Though you should include your loved one in the planning process, make sure you approach the conversation in a nonconfrontational manner. Let your loved one know you’re aware he or she is capable of living independently at this time but that you want to clarify his or her wishes for the future.
Many seniors prefer aging in place over moving to assisted living facilities. If your senior loved one needs assistance to remain safe and comfortable while living at home, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading home care agency. Our dedicated in-home caregivers can assist with meal prep, bathing and grooming, exercise, medication reminders, and many other important tasks.
Hold a Family Meeting
Don’t forget to include siblings and other close family members in the process. Holding a family meeting is one way to ensure everyone is aware of your loved one’s wishes. It’s also the perfect time to determine how caregiving duties will be shared among family members. This can eliminate confusion that could lead to hard feelings and resentment down the road.
Caring for a senior loved one can be rewarding, but it can also be overwhelming for family caregivers who have other responsibilities they need to focus on. For these families, the perfect solution is respite care. Pearland families rely on our caregivers whenever they need time to rest, work, run errands, and even go on vacation.
Ensure Paperwork Is in Order
The time may come when you have to take care of your loved one’s financial matters or make medical decisions on his or her behalf. This can be difficult or even impossible without advance planning and preparation. Before being faced with an emergency situation, work with your loved one to ensure all the necessary paperwork is in place, including:
- A power of attorney for financial matters
- A designated health care proxy
- A living will
- A complete list of bank accounts, creditors, and insurance policies
Do Your Homework
Most communities have a variety of resources available to assist family caregivers. Take the time to research these resources before you’re under the stress of needing immediate help. Create a notebook containing listings and contact information for home care agencies, senior centers, caregiver support groups, meal delivery services, and medical supply companies in your area. You should also contact the various entities for specifics regarding the services they provide as well as any fees involved. The type of home care Pearland seniors need can vary. Some need assistance a few hours a day, while others require more extensive around-the-clock assistance. At Assisting Hands Home Care, we tailor our care plans based on each senior’s individual care needs, and the plans can be adjusted at any time. We are a trusted provider of respite and 24-hour care, and we also offer specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s, and stroke care for seniors. Call one of our friendly Care Managers today to learn more about our customized care plans.
