Washington (206) 362-2366
Oregon (503) 252-8499
We have 6 ways that we can help you prepare before your aging parent is in desperate need for care:
Have you asked your loved one if they have a preference between aging at home or in a senior community? You may be surprised to find out what is preferred. For some, the thought of leaving the comfort of what they call home to be impossible. Others might adapt better to new environments and prefer to be somewhere where they can be social and have assistance with a few small tasks.
Discuss your parent’s health with them in a loving way, showing that you care and want to make sure that you have a good understanding of their health needs. Ask them what medications they are taking and why they are on certain medications. Try to see if they have pill boxes or how they are remembering to take their medications. Pay attention early so you can notice later if they are forgetting to take those important medications.
Don’t be afraid to step up your involvement in your parent’s life as they start getting older. Make frequent phone calls to check-in and see how their day is going, stop by their house for a visit. Try to stay in contact with your parents on a regular basis so you can start to see and notice if there is a decline in their health.
Start asking your family for copies of important documents. Ask for their doctor’s name and phone numbers, their lawyer’s contact information, or information for their power of attorney. It is important to have these numbers handy so you don’t have to search for them in a time of crisis.
Are your aging parents still making healthy home cooked meals? If not, this may be an early indicator that they might need additional help as they are aging. It may just be the start and if you were to bring them a casserole a week that might be all they need, however over time both you and your parents may need additional help making home cooked meals. Healthy meals are just as important for elderly as they are for younger adults. If your loved one is ordering delivery, getting take out, or eating frozen meals all the time they may not be getting the health and nutrition that they need. Ask how you can help out, or see if it is necessary to start receiving short-shift home care with meal preparation and clean-up.
Have your parents started taking advantage of any community resources? There are plenty of senior centers around the Puget Sound (King County Senior Centers, Snohomish County Senior Centers, Kitsap Senior Centers) and they can provide resources including volunteer opportunities, conferences, disease management programs.
If you are looking into home care, care management, or senior housing placement services earlier than your loved one really needs them, you are on a good track. It is important to have a plan, and prepare ahead of a crisis so there is less stress and panic. This can also help you prepare your financial situation and know what will be the best option based on finances. If you have any questions regarding our services, the best way to implement care into your loved one’s life or cost of services please contact a Fedelta representative.
If you are looking into home care, care management, or senior housing placement services earlier than your loved one really needs them, you are on a good track. It is important to have a plan, and prepare ahead of a crisis so there is less stress and panic. This can also help you prepare your financial situation and know what will be the best option based on finances. If you have any questions regarding our services, the best way to implement care into your loved one’s life or cost of services please contact a Fedelta representative.
