“My mom had a fall and she needs rehabilitation. Where do we start?” “Dad becomes more confused by the day. I don’t think he can safely stay in his home and we can’t be with him all day… What should I do?” These are questions we are asked every day. Searching for the next step for aging family members is overwhelming. This is why it’s so important to have a plan in place.
A long-term care plan may look different for everyone. When developing your plan, it’s important to involve anyone who may be affected by this plan. This will make it easier to make a reasonable plan, that addresses a variety of scenarios.
Ask Yourself:
Is my home a good fit for me in the long-term?
Of course, we’d all love to stay in the home we’ve worked so hard to build.
But, consider if you can do that safely. If you live in a multi-story home, ensure the stairs are easy to navigate.
Should you need the assistance of a wheelchair or other mobility device, will the doorways be wide enough to accommodate your device?
Staying safely in your home doesn’t mean major renovations either. Simple, budget friendly upgrades can help ensure that your home fits your needs. Consider adding a shower chair, installing handrails to both sides of your stairs, and removing trip hazards such as area rugs.
How will my family be able to help me?
Many times, aging family members are reluctant to ask for additional help.
They may feel they’re being a burden. It’s important to discuss what needs you may have with your family. Simple errands such as picking up medication refills, going to doctor’s appointments, or picking up groceries for the week can become increasingly difficult as we age.
If you need help with these tasks, it’s important to know who is available to help.
What services are available in my area to help fill in the gaps?
Often times, family members are only able to help so much.
With things they aren’t able to help with, work together to find alternative solutions. If the pharmacy hours aren’t convenient for pickup, is there a delivery service available? How about a grocery delivery or order pick up service instead of having to go inside the supermarket? Look into day services for seniors in your area to combat loneliness. Maybe a meal service is available to help supplement difficulty with meal preparation.