As the holiday rush approaches, we’re making lists, checking them twice, making plans you hope to keep. For those of you who have loved ones either living alone, in a senior living community or perhaps with you, I know your holiday schedules are even more hectic than most.

There are a few more trips to the stores or doctors, a few more visits to check on your loved ones, a few more discussions regarding progress or decline, a few more concerns and perhaps a few more encounters of one kind or another.

I would like you all to read through these five important topic questions below and give them serious thought, check the ones you have addressed, and make a new list of things yet to be addressed. By doing so, you just may avoid an unfortunate or unexpected turn of events when you least want to deal with one— during the holidays.

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?

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 everyone’s lives—you need to make plans for short and long term needs, not only care needs but emotional support needs as well.

Does your loved one have their legal documents in order?

• Do they have a Health Care Proxy, Advanced Directive and POA in place?
• Does someone in your family work with 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.

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 three months from now; six 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?

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 three months from now? Six months from now? One year from now?
• 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.

Are you one of the many baby boomers caring for aging parents ? Don’t wait for a crisis to happen before you take action.

Clare Colamaria is the Founder of A SENIOR’S CHOICE, LLC. If you have any concerns for a loved one or would like to discuss options for the above mentioned topics, please contact Clare at WWW.ASENIORSCHOICEONLINE.COM or call her directly at (518) 424-2527.