Dr. Eboni Green
August 25, 2022
If one of your parents needs help to stay healthy and safe, you might not know how to handle the situation. It can feel difficult trying to figure out the needs of an elderly parent, so seeking help with assisted living can be an option.
Typically, caring for an elderly parent at home is among the first steps in a long-term care plan. This is a way to save money and them in the comforts of your home. If you’re grappling with the idea of caring for one of your parents who needs assisted living, Caregiver Support Services shares some tips to guide you through the process.
Nursing home placement is an idea many people don’t want to consider at first. However, you might not have the time and resources to offer full-time care for your aging parent, so nursing homes are an ideal place.
A care home is an ideal option if you need 24-hour, high-quality care for your parent. The decision is easier if you research the homes that perfectly match the needs of your aging parent. Go online to search for detailed facility reports, pricing info, payment options, and reviews from other families for nursing homes in your area.
One of the things to consider is the location and size of the nursing home care. It’s good to find a facility near your family, which makes it easy to visit your loved one. Also, the National Institute on Aging says to check the services provided at the nursing home. For example, the dining experience can make a big difference in the satisfaction of nursing home residents. Consider everything, including staffing and activities at the nursing home.
Caring for an older adult costs money. It’s good to estimate the costs you expect to incur in the future. Think about medical care required, including the cost of their living situation (like moving in with you or assisted living), and everyday costs like home safety modifications, caregiving supplies, and food.
After establishing the financial position, you will understand if you can afford the care your loved one needs. For long-term care, there are government programs that are available if you need assistance. Consult an elderly law attorney to assist you with things like qualifying for Medicaid. Plan ahead to avoid being caught in the money crunch.
For your other parent who does not need to be in senior living, you can downsize their living space to make it more convenient. New Retirement notes that downsizing benefits include a smaller space to maintain and clean, lower energy bills, and the potential to move closer to loved ones.
Calculate the size and area of the new home and use a home affordability calculator to estimate how much they can budget toward a new home. You could also consider decluttering and reorganizing the existing space to make it easier for your elderly parent. Remove the things they don’t need, but don’t get rid of items with sentimental value.
If you found a new home that offers all the things you need, prepare for the move. If you need assistance during the moving process and need large items relocated, it’s important to hire a furniture moving company. They will make it easy to transfer your loved one’s belongings. In addition, they make the process smooth and stress-free as they can handle everything in an organized process. Consider local movers with excellent ratings if you want a reputable company.
Another thing that will keep your parents safe is the ability to communicate with you with ease. Besides being a safety hazard, loneliness and isolation can have negative effects on overall health. Ensure their phone is easily accessible and easy to use. A simple mobile phone is reassuring and makes it easy to connect with friends and family.
Caring for your parents can be a demanding process. However, with good planning, you can navigate the challenges and make their experience pleasant. Consider getting the right nursing home if your parent needs this level of care. Another option is to find them a smaller home and hire reputable movers. Also, ensure they don’t feel isolated by staying in contact and visiting them often.
Caregiver Support Services focuses on family and frontline caregivers, helping people become great caregivers for the people and patients around them. Call 866-201-6896 today to learn more!
