Elder Care - Planning Can't Wait by Helen Cockrell
One of the things I see most when working with older individuals, their families and their caregivers, is a family in crisis. Almost overnight finding the right care for a loved one rises from "something we really need to look into" to "how do we get care for Mom when she's discharged from the hospital?"
We all want the best care possible for our older loved ones. The good news is, you have choices. The bad news is that it takes a while to get it all set up if you haven't planned ahead.
Right now, sit down with your older loved ones and discuss what THEY want. I can't stress how important this is. You may be surprised by their answers. It can also be a difficult conversation, but it needs to happen before a crisis forces the issue. Here are some ideas to help the conversation along:
1. Talk about where they want to be. Depending on their answer, there are a variety of options for care - home care, assisted living, a continuing care retirement community or something in between.
2. If they want to stay at home (and the vast majority do), are they willing to have someone come in to their home to help? Are they open to "Meals on Wheels"? Will they attend the Senior Center in their community so they get out and socialize? Transportation is usually available if they don't drive. Again, your local Area Agency on Aging can help.
3. Or, would they prefer a community of others where the activities are right there and where they can take their meals in the company of others? If this sounds good to them, then a Continuing Care Retirement Community or an Assisted Living may be better. Information on available facilities can be found at Eldercare Locator. You can also contact the Ombudsman at your local Area Agency on Aging for more information. A note, Medicare does not cover the costs of assisted living or continuing care retirement communities. There may be various options to pay, but be sure and research each facility thoroughly.
4. Do they have a Living Will and Medical Power of Attorney? If not, these can be done by an elder care attorney or your local Area Agency on Aging can help. They may also want to add a trusted relative or friend to their bank account in case they are incapacitated.
5. Do they have Long Term Care Insurance? LTC Insurance is a wonderful way to help an individual remain at home and still receive care, although depending on the circumstances, the cost of the insurance can be high. Their insurance provider can help if they're interested in this option.
Remember, as the caregiver or family member for an older loved one, you're not in this alone. Area Agencies on Aging are in every community in America and have a wealth of resources to help. There's also a help line run by the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging at 1-800-677-1116. These are two great resources for information and referral services and should be the first calls you make. Just don't wait to make the calls until it's crisis mode (although they will help even then). Take the time to sit down with your loved one and have this discussion now. It may save a great deal of stress and heartbreak later on.
