For more information about the author, click to view their website: Comfort Keepers
We’re
so used to our parents living independently that we don’t always notice when
they begin to struggle with handling daily activities. Changes can begin
gradually as they start to slow down, or they can happen quickly, when a parent
has an unexpected diagnosis or accident. No matter if you live across town or
across the country, proactively creating a senior life plan for your parents
will give you peace of mind and allow them to continue to live their lives to
the fullest.
Approaching
aging parents about planning their senior years can be a touchy subject for
everyone involved. As a general rule, it is recommended to start having these
conversations by the time you’re in your forties, or they’re in their seventies
(known as the 40-70 rule). Of course, you know your parents' habits and
personalities best, so you are the best judge of their physical and mental
health. Here are some factors that can determine the appropriate time to
initiate this conversation:
·
Start
the conversation early, using the 40-70 rule, so you have time to make or
change plans based on your parents' needs
·
Create
a comfortable and open environment for the conversation
·
Plan
more than one conversation so you can cover all possible issues
·
Take
notes so you remember what was discussed and can keep track of next steps
·
Keep
a list of all their passwords for accounts such as computer, email, phone, and
cable
Create
a Caregiving Plan
A
caregiving plan will ensure everyone is on the same page about the care needed
and how it will be handled as your parents age. If they require additional
care, consider how you can support their needs. This might involve coordinating
with local caregivers, hiring professionals to assist with certain tasks, or,
if you don’t live nearby, planning regular visits to spend time with them.
·
Have
a caregiving plan ready in case your loved ones need in-home care
·
Discuss
changes to your parents’ healthcare needs with their doctors
·
Research
different caregiving options
·
Find
out if your loved one has any specific needs to maintain their health and
happiness
Health and Medical Care
A
senior life plan starts with understanding your parents’ health statuses and
medical needs. When they are in excellent health, it’s essential that their
care and treatment preferences are detailed in a living will or advanced
directive and discussed with family members. Have this conversation now, during
the planning stage, rather than during a medical emergency.
·
Designate
a healthcare proxy who can speak with doctors on your loved one’s behalf and
make healthcare decisions, especially if they are hospitalized
·
Keep
a list of their medications up to date, including prescriptions,
over-the-counter medications, supplements, and vitamins
·
Keep
a list of your parent's doctors and specialists, including their contact
information
·
Ensure
they are following their doctors’ advice and taking medications as prescribed
·
Make
a note of the closest urgent care facility and hospital
·
Get
to know their primary care physicians
·
Discuss
your parents’ latest check-ups and help schedule upcoming appointments
·
Encourage
your parent to write a living will or advanced directive and keep a copy on
file
Safety
and Living Arrangements
Most
seniors want to remain in their homes as they age, connected to family,
friends, and community. If your parents are able to continue living at home,
consider home remodeling options to help them safely age in place. In addition,
develop an emergency plan with your parents and make sure they know what to do
in case of a natural disaster or other emergency.
·
Evaluate
the safety of their home and make modifications if necessary
·
Review
any mortgage or financial concerns about the home
·
Check
in regularly, either in person, or by phone or video chat
·
Consider
long-term care insurance in case long-term care is ever required
·
Develop
an emergency plan and list of emergency contacts
Social
and Support Network
A
strong social support network helps keep seniors healthy and active and gives
them a sense of connection, belonging, and purpose. This support can include
neighbors, friends, or other family members who can assist your loved one if
needed. If possible, foster connections with their support network to have
reliable contacts in case of emergencies.
·
Encourage
your parents to stay socially engaged and participate in activities that bring
them joy
·
Check
if your parents have a support network in their local community
·
Keep
the name and number of a neighbor who can regularly check on your loved ones
·
Create
a schedule of friends and family who call or regularly video chat
· Ensure your parents have access to reliable transportation when needed, especially if they don’t drive
Review
Finances
Discussing
finances can be tricky. Seniors sometimes want to keep their financial
information private, even from family members. Reassure them that they can keep
exact dollar amounts confidential, but make sure you have access to the
information if you need it. Have them assign a Durable Power of Attorney (POA)
to someone who can make financial decisions on their behalf. When going over
how your parents would like their finances handled, topics to discuss include
outstanding debts, homeownership, savings, and retirement funds.
·
Find
out what financial accounts are open and where they are held
·
Make
a list of advisors’ contact information
·
Ensure
they are making informed decisions about retirement, investments, and insurance
·
Stay
up to date on Social Security benefits
·
Check
that beneficiary designations are current
·
Make
sure your loved ones have a POA representative
·
Streamline
bill paying by setting up automatic payments
·
Ensure
they know how to avoid scams
Gather
Legal Documents
Discussing
and taking care of legal issues while your parents enjoy good health can ensure
everything is planned and understood. Make sure you know where your parents
keep their personal information and important documents in case you need them.
Go over everything together and meet with their estate planner so you can ask
questions about their wishes and how to ensure they are carried out.
·
Discuss
important documents and where they are stored
·
Find
out if your parents have a will and a living will, and where they are located
·
Make
sure their POA for finances and healthcare proxies are in order
·
Read
through their estate plan/will to make sure beneficiaries and responsibilities
are correct and up to date
Review
Insurance Plans
Regularly
review your parents’ insurance policies. It’s essential to know if their
policies are adequate, up to date, and where the accounts are located. This
information can help avoid undue financial burdens during medical emergencies
or accidents.
·
Make
a list of active insurance policies such as auto, home, health, long-term care,
etc.
·
Review
homeowners, auto, and life insurance policies to ensure they are adequate and
up to date
·
Review
health insurance coverage for any policy changes that need to be made based on
current or future needs
Aging Parents Checklist
Although caring for an aging parent often means taking on financial, legal, and other responsibilities, it can also be a time to reflect on happy memories and plan for a future that includes more joyful moments. The aging parent checklist below can help you ensure you’ve got all the bases covered when it comes to life planning and the next steps for your aging loved ones.
Although
caring for an aging parent often means taking on financial, legal, and other
responsibilities, it can also be a time to reflect on happy memories and plan
for a future that includes more joyful moments. The aging parent checklist
below can help you ensure you’ve got all the bases covered when it comes to
life planning and the next steps for your aging loved ones.
|
|
Communication |
·
Have
the conversation early so you have time to make or change plans based on your
parents' needs ·
Create
a comfortable and open environment for the conversation ·
Take
notes so you remember what was discussed and keep track of your next steps ·
Keep
a list of all their passwords for accounts such as computer, email, phone,
and cable |
Health and Medical Care |
·
Designate
a healthcare proxy who can speak with your loved ones’ doctors and make
decisions ·
Keep
an up-to-date list of all their medications, including over-the-counter,
supplements, and vitamins ·
Keep
a list of their doctors and specialists, including their contact
information ·
Ensure
they are taking medications as prescribed ·
Make
a note of the closest urgent care facility and hospital ·
Get
to know their primary care physicians ·
Help
schedule upcoming appointments ·
Encourage
your parent to write a living will and keep a copy on file |
Ensure Safe Living Arrangements |
·
Evaluate
the safety of their home and make modifications if necessary ·
Review
any mortgage or financial concerns about the home ·
Check
in regularly, either in person, or by phone or video chat ·
Consider
buying long-term care insurance ·
Develop
an emergency plan and list of emergency contacts in case of a natural
disaster or other emergency |
Create a Caregiving Plan |
·
Have
a caregiving plan ready in case your loved ones need in-home care ·
Discuss
changes to your parents’ healthcare needs with their doctors ·
Research
different caregiving options ·
Find
out if your loved ones have any specific needs to maintain their health and
happiness |
Social and Support Network |
·
Encourage
your parents to stay socially engaged and participate in activities that
bring them joy ·
Check
if your parents have a support network in their local community ·
Keep
the name and number of a neighbor who can regularly check on your loved ones ·
Create
a schedule of friends and family who call or regularly video chat ·
Ensure
your parents have access to reliable transportation when needed, especially
if they don’t drive |
Review Finances |
·
Find
out what financial accounts are open and where they are held ·
Make
a list of advisors’ contact information ·
Ensure
they are making informed decisions about retirement, investments, and
insurance ·
Stay
up to date on Social Security benefits ·
Check
that beneficiary designations are current ·
Make
sure your loved ones have a POA representative ·
Streamline
bill paying by setting up automatic payments ·
Ensure
they know how to avoid scams |
Gather Legal Documents |
·
Discuss
important documents and where they are stored ·
Find
out if your parents have a will and living will, and where they are located ·
Make
sure their POA for finances and healthcare proxies are in order ·
Read
through their estate plan/will to make sure beneficiaries and
responsibilities are correct and up to date |
Review Insurance Plans |
·
Make
a list of active insurance policies such as auto, home, health, long-term
care, etc. ·
Review
homeowners, auto, and life insurance policies to ensure they are adequate and
up to date ·
Review
health insurance coverage regularly for any policy changes that need to be
made as needs change |
Review Insurance Plans |
·
Make
a list of active insurance policies such as auto, home, health, long-term
care, etc. ·
Review
homeowners, auto, and life insurance policies to ensure they are adequate and
up to date ·
Review
health insurance coverage regularly for any policy changes that need to be
made as needs change |
This
checklist gives seniors and their families a way to confidently and
purposefully navigate the next few years. We offer resources with helpful
information and insights that help you care for your loved ones so they can
experience all that life has to offer. And if they need in-home care, we can
provide compassionate care that focuses on connection and purpose and
experiencing more joy every day. To learn more, contact us today.
When supporting patients who wish to age comfortably at home, distinguishing between home health and in-home care can be key to effective patient support. These terms are sometimes used interchangeably, but each service addresses different needs in patient care. Lets clarify the distinction, as understanding these differences can help guide patients and families to the right kind of support for their circumstances.Home Health: Skilled Medical Care at HomeHome health involves medical care provided in the patient's home by licensed professionals, such as nurses, physical therapists, or occupational therapists. It is typically prescribed by a physician and can include wound care, medication management, chronic illness monitoring, and rehabilitation therapies. Examples of home health services include: Wound care for pressure sores or a surgical wound Patient and caregiver education Intravenous or nutrition therapy Injections Monitoring serious illness and unstable health status Home health focuses on supporting patients in recovering from illness or surgery, managing medical conditions, and preventing hospital readmissionsall in the comfort of their homes.In-Home Care: Assistance for Daily LivingIn-home care, on the other hand, is non-medical support provided by trained caregivers to assist individuals with daily living activities. This type of care can be short-termsuch as during recovery from surgeryor long-term for older adults who need continued assistance. Examples of in-home care services include: Assistance with bathing, dressing, and grooming Meal preparation Light housekeeping Companionship In-home care is especially beneficial for individuals who need support with daily activities but do not require medical intervention. The goal is to enhance quality of life by addressing personal and emotional needs while promoting independence.Choosing the Right Care for Your PatientsResearch suggests that some medical professionals may not always draw a clear line between home health and in-home care, yet understanding these distinctions can help patients receive the right type of support. Home health is ideal for those needing medical care at home, whereas in-home care focuses on enhancing day-to-day living for those who value independence but need extra help.Aging in Place with ComfortFor many seniors and individuals with chronic health conditions, aging at home is an important aspect of maintaining their quality of life. Advances in telemedicine and remote health monitoring have made it easier to integrate a mix of home health and in-home care services. This personalized approach not only offers a convenient care experience but also helps patients stay in control of their health journey.Comfort Keepers Can HelpComfort Keepers provides uplifting in-home care that helps seniors thrive. Our specially trained caregivers focus on developing genuine relationships with clients, keeping them physically and mentally engaged while ensuring they experience joy in their daily activities.If you know a patient or family that could benefit from Comfort Keepers services, they can reach out for a free consultation. Lets work together to help individuals age comfortably and confidently at home.
More than 16 million Americans provide unpaid care for people with Alzheimers or other dementias.Caring for a loved one can be a rewarding experience, but its not without challenges. These challenges can be significantly more impactful for those caring for a senior with Alzheimers disease or other form of dementia. Changes in behaviors can occur for a variety of reasons, including over-stimulation, physical discomfort, confusion, exhaustion caused by sleep problems, medication, or changes in routine.Understanding the cause of behavioral changes is critical for caregivers, families and friends. And its helpful for caregivers to know how to manage behaviors that will allow them to provide safe and effect support and diffuse tense situations.These behaviors can include: Depression Anxiety Confusion Aggression or anger Suspicion Hallucinations Pacing or wandering The most important thing that caregivers need to remember is that challenging behaviors may not be entirely avoidable. Its also not the fault of the person with Alzheimers or dementia. These behaviors are sometimes a common product of the disease. And, there is specialized support a caregiver can use to help keep a challenging behavior from escalating.While there is no guaranteed approach that will work with every person or situation, there are some methods that can help caregivers manage trying times:Staying calm Its not uncommon for caregivers to feel attacked or helpless when they are caring for someone exhibiting difficult behaviors. Remembering that it isnt personal and that its a symptom of the disease, can help caregivers manage their emotions and avoid contributing to tense or difficult situations. Arguing or reasoning can often escalate an outburst, so its necessary for caregivers to stay calm and supportiveKeeping a schedule Seniors that suffer from Alzheimers disease and other dementias often find it reassuring to have a set schedule for meals, activities and daily tasks. Creating a schedule, and sticking to it as much as possible, can help prevent anxiety, confusion and anger.Exercise Exercise, with approval from a physician, is a great stress reliever for both seniors and caregivers. And participating in activities together helps foster important emotional connections.Participating in activities Whether its an enjoyable hobby, household chore or physician-approved exercise, participating in joyful activities has shown to help manage challenging behaviors. These can be pre-scheduled or introduced when difficult behaviors are recognized. For example, caregivers can ask for help folding laundry to ease anxiety or can play music or sing to calm someone feeling confused, angry or depressed. Mindful communication Caregivers shouldnt underestimate the power of communication. Caregivers can use soothing tones, speak in a friendly way and make eye contact to convey normalcy, understanding and compassion. This can help seniors experiencing anxiety or frustration to calm themselves.Comfort KeepersCan HelpAt Comfort Keepers, we provide specific training for our caregivers and individualized care plans to provide care and support to seniors with Alzheimers disease and to their families. Our specially trained Comfort Keepers engage clients in intellectual, physical and emotional interactions that complement medical treatment and improve the quality of life for everyone involved. And they can facilitate stress management activities, support for physician-approved diet and exercise plans, provide transportation to appointments and will evaluate a home for safety as part of an in-home assessment. For more information on how in-home caregiving can help those with Alzheimers disease or dementia, contact your nearest Comfort Keepers office today. References National Institute on Aging. Managing Personality and Behavior Changes in Alzheimers. Web. 2017. Verywell Health. Complete Guide to Challenging Behaviors in Dementia. Web. 2019. Alzheimers Association. Stages and Behaviors. Web.
People over the age of 65 are more likely to be readmitted than younger patients, and readmission can be more serious for seniors.Readmission after an illness or injury is a serious health issue for seniors. However, it is important for seniors and their loved ones to remember that in many cases, readmission is avoidable and can be prevented with a thoughtful post-hospital care plan.Nearly one-fifth of all Medicare patients in the United States who are discharged from the hospital end up returning within 30 days. There are many reasons seniors may need to be readmitted to the hospital, but healthcare agencies are focused on finding ways to reduce these numbers and educate patients about how to have a healthier recovery at home.For many seniors, this means having a quality caregiver that can help them overcome some of the main preventable causes for returning to the hospital. Consider the following:Medication is critical: Some seniors need assistance taking medication in the right amount on the correct schedule. When you consider that, on average, seniors with chronic conditions fill 50 different prescriptions annually, it is not difficult to imagine how someone could get confused when a new medication is added to their regimen. Caregivers can not only remind seniors to take medications as prescribed, but they can also help seniors keep a list of those medications and their dosages so the information is readily available for healthcare professionals. Managing medications is one of the best ways a caregiver can help seniors during their recovery.Follow up visits prevent readmission: A full two-thirds of patients readmitted to the hospital would have avoided that trip if they had seen their physicians within two weeks for follow up. The reasons for not following up vary but can include transportation difficulties and forgetting to make or keep appointments. Hospital staff can aid the senior by setting up appointments for the individual before discharge, but getting to the appointment can still be a challenge. In addition to a host of uplifting care services, caregivers can provide transportation to appointments and keep track of any post-care visits.Discharge plans only work when implemented properly: Having a discharge plan for the patient before he or she leaves the hospital can be crucial for recovery, but it can be difficult for seniors and their family members to focus on the plan during the stress of the illness and discharge. Caregivers can help the senior follow the instructions and will connect with family or other approved individuals when there are problems or change in condition during recovery. They can also help explain the information or ensure that the appropriate person is notified if the older individual has questions about his or her course of treatment. This takes the stress off the family and the patient so he or she can focus on recovery.Having a helping hand during recovery can ensure positive outcomes and a return to an active, engaged life. Family members, friends and neighbors are often willing to serve as a post-hospital recovery caregiver, but there is professional help available for those that dont have someone nearby to assist them. For long-term recovery, those who have the assistance of friends and family can benefit from a professional caregiver to provide respite care and support.Comfort Keepers Can HelpComfort Keepers caregivers can help with encouragement, support and assistance with daily living. And caregivers can encourage overall health through meal planning, grocery shopping, meal preparation and activities. Our custom care plans focus on physical and mental health and wellness activities. Our goal is to see that clients have the means to find the joy and happiness in each day, regardless of age or acuity.To learn more about our in-home care services, contact your local Comfort Keepers location today.ReferencesRelias. What you need to know about readmission among seniors. Web. 2016.American Hospital Association. Examining the drivers of readmissions and reducing unnecessary readmissions for better patient care 2011 AHA Policy Research. Web. 2011.Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Ten things you should know about care transitions. Web. 2013.
With the use of CareLink MobileHelp, Comfort Keepers provides a simple solution to many accidents and medical emergencies. CareLink MobileHelp is a medicalalert system that works nationwide, beyond the home with all the same features as traditional in-home systems. CareLink MobileHelp keeps you connected to a live monitoring center regardless of your location. You can have the freedom to continue participating in the activities that you enjoy in and outside your home, knowing that you are always accompanied by a highly efficient medical alert system.
With the use of CareLink MobileHelp, Comfort Keepers provides a simple solution to many accidents and medical emergencies. CareLink MobileHelp is a medicalalert system that works nationwide, beyond the home with all the same features as traditional in-home systems. CareLink MobileHelp keeps you connected to a live monitoring center regardless of your location. You can have the freedom to continue participating in the activities that you enjoy in and outside your home, knowing that you are always accompanied by a highly efficient medical alert system.
With the use of CareLink MobileHelp, Comfort Keepers provides a simple solution to many accidents and medical emergencies. CareLink MobileHelp is a medicalalert system that works nationwide, beyond the home with all the same features as traditional in-home systems. CareLink MobileHelp keeps you connected to a live monitoring center regardless of your location. You can have the freedom to continue participating in the activities that you enjoy in and outside your home, knowing that you are always accompanied by a highly efficient medical alert system.