7 Things You Need to Think About if You Have an Elderly Parent
7 Things You Need to Think About if You Have an Elderly Parent
At some point in life, you may have to provide for your elderly parents. Taking care of an aging parent isn’t always easy, and there are variety of things to consider when you support an elderly loved one. From housing concerns to handling medical expenses, you have a lot on your plate. If you’re caring for an aging parent, here are seven important things you need to consider.
- Practice Open Communication
Be prepared to have tough discussions with your parents. It isn’t fun to talk about editing a will and making funeral plans, but practicing open communication will make this experience better for both of you. It’s important to establish your parent’s wants and desires early on, especially if it seems you’ll soon be responsible for making decisions on their behalf. Expressing your concerns and worries will hopefully make it easier for your parent to open up as well, and it will make the process more comfortable for both of you.. Discussing funeral savings, end of life care options, and legal concerns now will help both parties in the long run.
- Research Medicare and Medicaid
Caring for an elderly loved one is expensive, and it’s important to understand the ways Medicare and Medicaid can help you cover the costs. Medicare is designated for those 65 and older, and can be used to cover medical issues, younger individuals with disabilities, and those with kidney failure. Medicare Parts A through D can cover specific medical costs, hospital expenses, and prescription drugs as well. Medicare doesn’t cover everything, but it can cover specific types of expenses.
In contrast, Medicaid is a federal-state program that offers health coverage or nursing home coverage to those with low-assets, including the elderly who need nursing home care.
Research your parent’s current insurance to determine what’s covered by their plan, and what you might have pay out of pocket. You might consider enrolling them in a supplemental insurance plan to cover upcoming medical costs.
- Get to Know Their Doctor
Get to know your parent’s team of doctors or medical providers. As your parent ages, they’ll rely more heavily on medications. Stay on top of their prescriptions and ensure they’re taking the recommended dose every day.
- Create a Budget
If you’re taking on the role of caretaker for your parent, you need to understand that your budget may change. Putting aside money for your parents’ care is a beneficial move for both parties. Ask your parents about their current resources. Did they set money aside for end-of-life care? Do they have a burial insurance policy? Finances can be an uncomfortable topic, but it will become necessary as time goes on.
- Visit them Frequently
Spending time with your aging parent is more important than ever, especially if they don’t live with you. Your time with your loved one is limited, so make the most of every moment. Sit with your parents, talk about fond memories, listen to stories about their youth you’ve never heard, and make new memories you can cherish for the rest of your life.
- Keep Them Safe…And Give Yourself Peace of Mind
You should consider investing in medical alert systems for seniors. These systems are designed to help you keep track of your parent, whether they’re in or out of the home. Most alert systems offer a call button feature, so if they’re alone in the home and injure themselves , they can call for help with the click of a button. This provides the protection they need and the peace of mind you deserve.
- Help Them Stay Active
You can help your parent stay healthy with regular exercise. Keeping an elderly parent active isn’t always easy, but the right activities can make it fun on you both. Low impact exercises have proven to keep you happier, healthier, and mentally strong. Go on regular walks or purchase an in-house exercise machine (that’s safe for them to use).
Take care of your parent and make the most of every moment by following this guide.