Caring for Aging Parents

August 23, 2011, By Jeff Waddle 2 comments

Get Their Papers in Order

Regardless of the type of care parents need, it’s important to get their legal, financial and medical documents in order as you proceed.

Among the documents you’ll need to locate are:

• Social Security card (at least know date of birth and Social Security number)
• Medicare card and any additional health insurance cards or policies
• Last will and testament
• Living will
• Durable power of attorney forms for financial and medical decisions if they become unable to make decisions for themselves
• Financial documents such as bank and stock brokerage accounts and life insurance policies so you know where they are located and how to access them
• Medical documentation, such as medications taken and doctors’ contact information

If a will, durable power of attorney or living will doesn’t exist, you’ll need to discuss it with your parent and the rest of the family and decide how you want to proceed. You’ll also need to hire an attorney to help create those important documents.

Identify Local Resources

Wherever you live, there are likely one or more local agencies that could provide assistance in caring for your parent. For example, if your parent is coherent and independent enough to live alone but is no longer a good driver, many communities offer senior citizen transportation services to doctor appointments and even shopping.

Check your city, county or other local government websites for links to senior citizen community resources and contact them to see what they offer. Some services may be free while others have a fee.

Specifically, check for:

• adult day care and senior centers
• "Meals on Wheels" or other meal-delivery services
• transportation services
• legal assistance for senior citizens
• in-home care services
• physical and mental assessment services

Local senior citizens advocate organizations also can help you identify nursing home or assisted-living facilities in your area. Another valuable source of information is the U.S. Administration on Aging, which provides a nationwide Eldercare Locator through www.eldercare.gov.

Creating and implementing an effective plan to care for your parents can be a complicated project with many layers of decisions. That’s why it’s important that you be proactive. Look for early warning signs of failing health or mental capacity. Be willing to take action to help your parents before their condition worsens and minor challenges become major emergencies.