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It can certainly be overwhelming when you're thrust into the situation of having to find immediate help for your elderly parent who suddenly can't care for him/herself. In order to cope with the decisions that lie ahead, you'll need to determine exactly what kind of care your parent requires and the options that are available. Talking to experts who deal with similar situations on a daily basis is your first step.
These tips will ease your anxiety and give you the help and support from caring professionals who understand the turmoil a parent's sudden illness or incapacity can bring.
- Consult with your parent's doctors to learn the specific kind of medical and/or nursing care they recommend - skilled nursing, long-term care, round-the-clock care. Discuss the kinds of facilities that would best serve your parent's health care needs - at-home care, nursing home, rehab center.
- In addition to his/her doctors, if your parent is in the hospital, talk to his/her social worker and/or discharge planner, both of whom can help you make some choices before his/her release and perhaps offer suggestions on health care agencies and facilities.
- Discuss with family members how your parent and/or your family will pay for care. Familiarize yourself with what insurance covers.
- If your family decision is to care for your parent at home, the VNA will review the options that meet your parent's needs. The Visiting Nurse Association of Hanover & Spring Grove offers a variety of home health care programs.
- Check that your parent has a signed Durable Power of Attorney along with a health care proxy designating you or another family member to act on his behalf should he become incompetent to make decisions about his health care and personal and financial matters. This legal document will help alleviate some of your stress since it will give you the authority to hire the health care agency of your choice, handle your parent's accounts to arrange payment, and pay bills and expenses.
- Learn where your parent keeps all legal and financial documents to help facilitate handling his financial affairs.
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