"I am just not sure what to do!" This is a cry I hear often as an Eldercare Advisor and Life Coach helping children of aging parents. You want to do your best to help your Mom or Dad but you are not sure what is available and what to choose.
The following steps will help you develop a plan in the best interest of your parents.
1. Look at the financial picture. Sometimes it is hard for children to ask parents about their finances but it is necessary. Parents may not want to share this information but it is critical to your ability to care for them if the need arises.
2. If you do not already have a POA in place find an attorney to help you and get it done today. Putting this off until tomorrow could have dire consequences if something should happen today.
3.Learn the difference between an independent living community, assisted living community, skilled nursing facility, personal care home and a memory care or Alzheimer's facility. Know when is the right time for each of these options. Educate yourself about Home Health and Home Care and know what is the difference. This is where an Eldercare Advisor or Life Coach who specializes in Aging Parents can really help. The more you know the better decision you will be able to make.
4. Accept the fact that you may have to parent your parent. If dementia is part of the picture it is important that you take charge.