Your family is important to you.Everyone around them is affected by the aging of a close relative.Many people choose to take care of their aging relative on their own.There are many options for caring for an elderly relative.It's important to make a decision that works for you and your loved one.
Step 1: Look for changes in behavior.
As a parent, you may notice that your loved one is forgetting things or taking longer to complete tasks.Some changes may be harmful to your relative's safety.If you notice any of the problems, your loved one may need help, as they may be signs of dementia, depression, or other medical problems.spoiled food, dirty home, piles of trash, etc.There are signs of safety risks in their home.There are signs that medications are not being taken or not taken properly.
Step 2: Ask questions about the behavior you observe.
Problems or concerns may be raised by your loved one.If the problems aren't brought to you, you can ask some questions.Listen to your loved one's response when you ask a question.Ask your loved one to come up with a solution to the problem.You won't be threatening your loved one's independence if you include them in the decision making.If you notice that the laundry basket is full, you might say that it looks like you are a little behind on your laundry.Do you need help?To get to the root of the problem, ask questions.You should not assume that you know the reason for the behavior.If the problem is an immediate threat to your loved one's safety, do not immediately try to fix it.You should have a few conversations first.
Step 3: Talk to people in your family.
Other family members are likely to notice changes if you are noticing them.Multiple perspectives and solutions can be provided by talking to other people.It's important if you don't see your loved one often or you live in a different city.It's helpful to talk to people who know your family member.An outside person can give an objective opinion because they don't have emotional ties to your loved one.
Step 4: Speak with someone who knows what they're talking about.
You may need help making some decisions after speaking with your loved one, family, and friends.Inquire with a primary care physician, gerontologist, or senior care specialist.They can help you come up with solutions.You don't have to make these decisions alone.You should be prepared to answer questions about your loved one's cognitive functioning.Activities of Daily Living/ADLs include memory and decision making skills.Using the bathroom, eating, getting dressed, bathing, etc.You don't have to make these decisions on your own.Before taking action, you should get support and input from multiple sources.
Step 5: The areas that need support should be identified.
It's possible that your loved one is fine in one area, but difficult in another.Make a list of what needs to be fixed.The needs will fall into 5 categories.Laundry, shopping.Activities of Daily Living Social needs are transportation and interaction with other people.
Step 6: Who can give support in each area?
Write down who will be responsible for each area once you have made a list of the areas that need attention.Will it be you, a friend, family member, home health professional, or a community organization?If you are relying on a friend or family member, make sure you get a specific commitment from them and the services they have agreed to help with.Multiple sources are likely to provide support.You may come clean the house once a week, and another relative may grocery shop and prepare some quick meals.If you want to find community resources in your area, call 411 and say what you're looking for.Ask their primary care physician to refer you to services in your area.Depending on the situation, the elderly can sometimes qualify for home services.
Step 7: There are important documents to organize.
If your loved one has organized their important documents, ask them.Offer your help if they have not done so.If everything is complete, you should take a look at the documents.Health insurance and/or Medicare card Social Security card Birth certificate List of health conditions, medications, and allergies End-of-life care, will, living will and power of attorney Insurance policies are important documentsLong-term care insurance is a type of life insurance.Tax documents, financial advisor, accountant, bank information, etc.Contact information for physicians and pharmacies.
Step 8: The plan should be adjusted as needed.
There are many different factors that affect your loved one's needs.Acute care is required for a health crisis.Changes in your loved one's financial status are possible.Changes can affect your availability as well.You can evaluate your plan at regular intervals.There are 3 months, 6 months and so on.Look at what is working and what isn't.Family members, care givers, and loved one should be included in the evaluations.To get a picture of how everything is going, make planned and unexpected visits to your loved one's residence.
Step 9: If you can, help your loved one stay in their home.
If possible, your loved one wants to stay in their home.Staying in their home gives them a sense of familiarity.It will make aging easier.Adult day cares, respite care, meal and transportation services, and home care are some of the options that can help your loved one stay at home.Child and adult day care centers function the same.It is possible for your loved one to go to the center a few times a week.This is a great way for your loved one to meet new people.For a full-time care giver respite care is temporary.A worker is giving a break.For a short time, respite care can last a few weeks.
Step 10: Look at retirement communities.
Retirement community options include assisted living, adult congregate, rental, subsidized housing, and continuing care communities.Independent seniors and those that need assistance can be accommodated in communities.Your financial situation and the needs of your loved one will affect the type of community you choose.There are congregate adult and assisted living faculties for independent seniors.It's important to understand the cost, the services offered, and the requirements for residents when researching a community.
Step 11: A nursing home is something to think about.
If your loved one can't live on their own, then a nursing home is the best place for them.There are two types of nursing homes: skilled nursing facilities and intermediate care facilities.Intermediate facilities offer similar services, but not 24 hours a day.Both levels of care will be offered by most nursing homes.Medicaid may be an option for your loved one if they meet the requirements.Private long-term care insurance must be purchased.
Step 12: Take your loved one to your home.
You may want to move your loved one into your home if you have the time and resources.If you want to become a caregivers, be sure to discuss it with your family.Will you continue to work or will you quit?Being a caregivers is difficult.If you assume this role, do not neglect yourself.It's important to eat well, rest, and take breaks.Use other resources to lighten your load.You can use respite care when you need a break or take your loved one to adult day care a few times a week.
Step 13: You should express your feelings.
It can be difficult to talk about these issues.Speak honestly about your feelings.Let your loved one know that you want to help them with any problems they are having.You should be realistic about how much time and energy you have.If you are having a hard time speaking to your loved one, it is a good idea to speak with a counselor.
Step 14: Remember your loved one's wishes.
Your loved one wants to be in control.You have to honor your loved one's wishes even if you don't agree with them.If you were in their position, think about how you would want to be treated.It is easier for a loved one to adjust to small changes.Don't get caught up in the small details and try to focus on the big issues.You may need to make some decisions without your loved one's wishes being realistic.If your loved one insists on driving even though they have been in multiple car accidents, you may need to take their keys away.
Step 15: Positive language can be used to describe care.
If your care plan includes community resources and home health care providers, frame them in a positive light to make your loved one more receptive.Call the home health care provider.If you are sending your loved one to an adult day care center, make sure to tell them that they are going to volunteer or help at the center.The center could also be referred to as a club.Accepting help now will help your loved one remain independent for as long as possible.
Step 16: Don't be complicated.
It is important to be aware of your loved one's feelings, but avoid sugar coating the situation.Negative information should be presented as well.Let them know if it will be difficult for your loved one to stay in their house.Tell your loved one that they are not alone and that you are speaking from a place of genuine care and concern.