5 Important questions families and those responsible for being elder caregivers need to ask themselves before a crisis happens with their aging loved one:

 

# 1. Are my loved ones safe in their present environment?

• Do they live alone? Is there a caregiver or spouse able to assist them? If so, is this the right person for the job?

• Does your loved one get confused?

• Are they eating right and staying hydrated? Who is monitoring their nutrition daily ?

• Are their medications managed?  If so, who is handling this important task and is this person communicating their concerns to the physicians as their care needs change?

 

#2 – Are There Memory Issues?

• Has your loved one been properly diagnosed?  Have they seen a neurologist or neuropsychologist?

• Is there a treatment plan which works appropriately with their diagnosis and is their Primary Care Physician being kept in the loop with the specialist?

• It’s up to you to research the diagnosis of their disease and prepare for how it is going to affect every one’s lives– you need to  make plans for short and long term needs, not only care needs but emotional support needs as well.

#3. Does your loved one have their legal documents in order?

• Do they have a Health Care Proxy, Advanced Directive and POA in place?

• Do they or someone in your family know an Attorney who specializes in Elder Law and Estate Planning? This is important, these attorneys are there to protect your loved ones hard earned assets as well as their medical and end of life wishes.

• Please get your legal matters attended to sooner rather than later.

#4. Is it sensible for your loved one to remain in their home?

• Much of this decision depends on their health, their mental state, physical state and the prognosis of their diagnosis.

• Based on those answers you will need to make a plan; one for immediate needs then set short term plans- what will they
  need 3 months from now; 6 months from now, a year from now?  You need to be a constant monitor of their ever changing needs.

• Do you have a support system to help you or are you the primary caregiver? Can you handle what the future has in
  store and again are you the right person for this job?

#5. Finances: What can they afford?

• If you are planning to have them stay in their home or your home with outside assistance what are those costs that
  insurance does not cover? And again, ask yourself, – what will the immediate costs of care be now, how about 3 months from now, 6 months from now, one year from now, etc.

• What is more cost effective – to stay in their home or to transition them out of their home and into a community or adult
  care home that provides care and assistance?

• And finally ask yourself this; is your loved one experiencing the quality of life they deserve and have worked so
  hard for? And, how about you the family members – do you have peace of mind knowing all their needs are being met?

• If you can answer yes to that, then the time you are spending with them now is quality time, if not, it’s time to start
  planning. It’s all about quality of life, needs being met and peace of mind for everyone.

DON’T WAIT FOR A CRISIS TO HAPPEN BEFORE YOU TAKE ACTION!