Help your senior parents make care decisions with this guide

Helping your parents stay safe and healthy as they get older can be a challenge, and when one parent needs specialized care, AgingCare.com notes that it can be a difficult, emotional process for everyone. Keep in mind, however, that seeking the right type of care for your loved one will relieve a lot of stress and anxiety for your other parent, especially if they have acted as a caregiver for a while. 

This is a great time to turn to resources like family, friends and senior care professionals. Start a conversation about the financial aspect of moving to a nursing home, the level of assistance they’ll require, what their wishes are for end-of-life preparations and the living options for the parent who doesn’t need care. Read on for some pointers from The Neustaedter Team.

Talk about major decisions early

Because many seniors don’t have insurance that will cover the cost of long-term care, it’s important to talk about the financial details of a move to a nursing facility as soon as possible. Your loved ones may decide to sell their home and downsize to a smaller house, which provides an influx of cash and a safe, lower-maintenance space at the same time. 

They might choose to rent out their home so the parent who doesn’t require care can move into an apartment closer to the nursing facility; in some cases, there may even be a living option for them on the facility’s campus. There are pros and cons for each option, so talk to your parents about what makes the most sense for their needs. Keep in mind that renting out a property will make your parent a landlord, meaning they’ll be responsible for upkeep and repairs. This can be time-consuming and costly if the home is older, but they do have the option to hire a property management firm to take over the details.

Find the right care

Once you have the financial aspect of long-term care taken care of, it’s important to figure out exactly what your parent’s needs are. Some older adults need full-time memory care if there is a decline in their cognition, as MemoryCare.com points out, while others require assistance with certain tasks but can have a measure of independence. If your loved one has health issues, they may feel more comfortable in a large-scale nursing facility that provides medical care. Go over their insurance paperwork to get an idea of what their policy will pay for, if anything, and how long they’ll pay. 

Get help

Whether you’re having a conversation about finances or looking for health insurance information, this process can be overwhelming for everyone involved. Stay in touch with the members of your church, and don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for help when you need it. 

You may find that quite a few of them have been through a similar situation, and they may have valuable resources or advice that can relieve some of the burdens on your shoulders. If you’re still feeling overwhelmed, consider talking to a counsellor or church leader. Sometimes it helps to have a sympathetic ear.

Stay calm

Because this time can be a bit chaotic even when you have help, it’s important to try and stay calm during each part of the process. Moving one parent to a nursing facility and the other to a smaller home at the same time requires organization, so start planning and preparing as early as possible. Keep in mind that this is a very emotional time for your loved ones, and the act of choosing which belongings to take with them can be challenging, so having enough time to do it without feeling rushed is important. 

Moving one parent to a care facility is never an easy decision, and it comes with a lot to think about. Going into the process with a good plan is crucial, so give yourself plenty of time and look for assistance and guidance from trusted friends and professionals throughout.

Whether you have questions about buying or selling a home or are just curious about the real estate market, The Neustaedter Team can help. Reach out today for more information! 403.208.0555

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