Many individuals are struggling today as they try to raise their kids while caring for elderly parents. This task becomes harder when the parents don’t live nearby. How can they know their loved ones are doing okay when they can’t see them regularly? Having a plan in place will provide them with peace of mind.
Finances are often the biggest concern when it comes to aging parents. Are they seeing their doctors regularly and getting regular dental care? Some individuals need daily living assistance to remain in their homes, which can be costly. Emotional support and human interaction are also needed for good health. Many families choose to look into assisted living or independent living so they know their parents have others around them who can help when needed. How will they pay for this care?
Budgeting
Every family must budget for long-term care. Nobody knows the future, so it’s best to be prepared. Determine your parents’ financial needs. Go beyond living expenses and look at healthcare costs and other payments they may need to make. Consider their income sources and outlay to determine if they have enough to pay bills with leftover money.
Healthcare
Learn what healthcare your parents have. Most people participate in Medicare when they reach retirement age, and this program can help offset healthcare costs. However, it may not cover everything. Learn whether additional coverage is needed to ensure they can receive medical care when they need it without worrying about how much it will cost.
Emotional Support
Don’t overlook emotional support when planning for your parents’ future. Humans need regular interaction to survive and thrive. A lack of interaction can lead to cognitive decline, contribute to dementia, and bring about other health issues. Regular communication is essential to prevent this from happening.
Many older adults aren’t good with technology. Ensure they know how to use these devices so they can stay connected with others and reach out for help if needed. In addition, consider investing in a personal emergency response system so help will come if they have a medical emergency or fall and need assistance. The senior must pay for this technology, so prepare for this expense.
Home care services provide families with peace of mind as they know someone is checking on their elderly relative who lives alone. The home health aide may help this individual bathe or complete other daily living tasks if they can’t do them alone. This regular interaction is good for the individual, but the family may also want to look into mental health support for them. The family often must pay this aide to come to the home, so prepare for this expense when budgeting.
Seniors should be encouraged to take part in community activities. They may volunteer, join a senior citizen club, or pick up a new hobby. Budget for these expenses or look for free activities they can participate in. Many senior organizations offer transportation to and from activities. If they don’t, learn how much it will cost to take the senior where they need to go and plan for these expenses.
These are only a few of the many things a family must consider when caring for an elderly parent or relative. The more one knows, the better prepared they will be when this loved one needs care. Their health and well-being must always be the priority. They took care of you when you were younger. Do the same for them now. The right planning makes doing so easier.
