How to Find a Caregiver for an Elder Parent

When you feel that your elder parent no longer may be able to live safely on their own, it is important to seek advice from the appropriate professionals. You might want to consult with a geriatric care manager about assessing your parent’s ability to function independently at home. Remember, most elderly people want to remain living on their own for as long as possible. Here are some tips to help guide your family during this transition.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Seek help before a crisis occurs. Talk to your parent’s physician. Ask his or her advice about whether your parent’s condition now warrants assistance with daily activities. Begin planning for the future by gathering the information needed to determine what services Medicare or other health insurance will cover. Be sure to get financial and legal documents in order as well.

2. Ask others in the family to participate in making any decisions about care. Be sure to include your parent in the process, as his or her cooperation is crucial to success. Consider your parent’s own preferences. Work together, exploring all the possibilities beforehand. Compromise is the key.

3. Investigate the options available to help pay for the costs of care giving. Seek assistance from your state’s Department of Aging to determine your parent’s eligibility for any government benefit or entitlement programs.

4. Interview several different caregivers before making a choice. Make a list of questions that you would like to ask. If dealing with a home health agency, inquire about the agency’s policy regarding family participation in planning a client’s care. You have the right to be kept informed about the care your parent receives. Be sure that you understand the terms of the contract before signing an agreement.

5. Consider joining a support group where you can share your feelings and concerns with others. Often those in similar situations are able to offer first hand knowledge about resources available from their own personal experiences. Online support groups also make it possible to get information and receive support without having to leave home.

Tips & Warnings

• If your elderly parent has been hospitalized recently for a debilitating condition, use the time before discharge to develop a plan of action. Discuss with the treatment team whether your parent will be able to return home or may require a respite stay in a nursing facility in order to receive a period of rehab care. Ask for help locating other community resources, which can be utilized for support.
• Don’t be caught off guard. If your parent’s condition has been deteriorating, take the time to assess available medical and community services early on.