With the lockdowns of COVID behind us (at least for now) and flu season in action, now is an ideal time to think about your care choices for aging parents or other family members.
For some, the “care” is simple, such as driving a relative to occasional appointments or grocery shopping. For others, the care is more intensive, whether temporary or permanent, such as post-surgical care or care after a life event, such as a stroke. And, for the majority families, there will be a combination of simple and more intensive care over the years.
Since none of us knows when an accident or life-event could happen, having candid conversations with loved ones about wishes and resources will make caregiving easier for all.
Here are some suggestions for all of us to consider doing now:
- Keep an updated list of medications, physicians and phone numbers. This will be one of the first things an emergency room will need when someone is injured or sick.
- Document important family information, including illnesses and the cause of death for parents and aunts/uncles, so doctors can know relevant family history. Keep this in a safe spot so it’s easy to grab when an ER or important doctor’s appointment happens.
- Copy and file insurance and Medicare cards. Consider keeping electronic copies in a folder on a phone or in a computer so if a purse or wallet goes missing, the information is still available.
- Everyone should appoint a medical power of attorney, including advance directives regarding life support. This document expresses healthcare wishes and appoints someone to authorize medical procedures and in the event that he or she cannot communicate.
- Make sure you know where important documents are kept for your parents, in addition to their insurance policies and a list of assets with names of financial institutions or financial advisor. If there is no such list, make one. All adults should do this, even for their spouse if one person is more responsible for administrative tasks than the other.
Although broaching this subject of caregiving and “what if something happens and you can’t take care of yourself” conversations can be awkward for some families, it’s so important whether you’re 30 or 90. Families should be proactive with open communication to ensure caregivers and those needing care are in sync long before something happens.
For instance, does your parent want to go to a retirement community or prefer to live at home with in-home care if needed? You need to ask! You also need to tell your own spouse/partner and children your wishes.
Consider a neutral third-party or Life-Care Planning attorney to facilitate the conversations, especially if there are significant assets or tension exists among siblings or other relatives. By focusing on planning for the “what ifs” and “Golden Years”, rather than on death and the Will, it will be easier.
In addition to getting important information from your parents or loved one for whom you may be responsible for care, compile a list of resources you may need when something happens and caregiving is your responsibility.
Mid-Atlantic Medical Supply & Equipment carries thousands of products to help individuals with health or mobility issues, from transfer benches and wheelchairs to grab bars and scooters, incontinence products and everything in between. Our knowledgeable staff is here to help to make life easier (and safer) for you and your loved one. We offer sales and rentals.
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