Tips For Caring For Our Grandparents | The Long Term Care Solution

With the population getting older, and living longer than ever before, caring for our grandparents as they age is an important consideration, that deserves some advance planning. Unfortunately, aging isn?t always a gradual, graceful process; grandparents may become suddenly ill or disabled, and families must be prepared. Discussing grandparents? wishes, finances, and care options may seem awkward, but the discussions are necessary, to assure their safety, and to appropriately meet their needs.

Talking to a grandparent is an essential step. Every grandparent deserves the chance to discuss their fears, needs, priorities, and wishes. As part of that discussion, families should ask about preferences for medical care decisions, and living arrangements. In addition, family members need a full picture of a grandparent?s financial situation, to plan for the steep expenses associated with elder care.

Families should make sure certain legalities are established. Family members should know where a grandparent?s will is kept, and should know the contents of a living will, if applicable. Also, grandparents should select someone to whom they will grant power of attorney. The person with power of attorney will have the authority to make decisions for the grandparent, including financial and medical decisions.

Families should make sure that a grandparent has a safe home. All smoke detectors should be working, all fire escapes should be clear, and all poisonous chemicals should be labeled. Families may either post emergency numbers, or install a medical alert system, which will allow elders to summon aid, at the push of a button.

Families should work to limit hazards, which could lead to falls. In the home, families should tack down any loose carpets, and should remove hazards, like thresholds and throw rugs. In addition, families should ensure that the home has clear pathways, which are well-lit, using night lights where needed. In tubs or showers, family members should install handrails, grab bars, and non-slip strips.

Families should examine the feasibility of long-term care insurance. Policies may cost a great deal up-front, but they will provide for care options that Medicaid will not cover. Families should ask questions about benefits, including when they begin, and how they are paid. Additionally, families should ask about coverage, to find out the extent of coverage, and how coverage may change over the life of the policy.

Family members should research senior care before care is needed. Calling assisted living facilities, adult day cares, and home health services, will provide families with an overview of available options. Visiting specific facilities, or putting grandparents on a waiting list, may also be a prudent decision, so that care is available, if suddenly needed.

Caring for our grandparents starts in the present, and not in the future. Sending gifts, sending cards, and staying in contact, via internet or phone, are just some ways to keep communication lines open. Family members should also visit grandparents as often as possible, to build the trust that will be required to communicate about elder care decisions. Difficult times may take away opportunities to build relationships, so families should take advantage of the present, to build strong and lasting ties.

Visit our site for aged care tips to improve the safety and well-being of seniors, now. You can also find information about a vibrant and caring aged care Gold Coast community, today.

Source: http://www.thelongtermcaresolution.org/health-care/tips-for-caring-for-our-grandparents

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