How to Become a Caregiver for Your Parents

You might be called on to help your elderly parent.

As parents grow older they often need a caregiver to help them not only with physical and medical needs but also with financial planning and security. This often becomes the job of their children.

Instructions

1. Talk with your parents well before they need a caregiver so there's no pressure to make decisions on complicated issues. They will need to make decisions on budgeting for their future, wills and estate planning. You also need to create a durable power of attorney to manager financial and health care matters.

2. Find out where important financial documents are kept. Review the documents and get familiar with day-to-day management of health care and financial decisions. Work with your parents in case you become fully responsible for all decisions. They must have confidence in you to make the best decisions for their welfare.

3. Develop a family care network. Involve your siblings and other family members in developing a care plan. If you must become the primary caregiver, talk about how you will be compensated for your service, especially if it becomes a full-time responsibility. Determine how costs of medical expenses or accommodations will be handled.

4. Check within your community, county, or state for caregiver groups that you might participate in. Find groups online as well. By participating in these groups you can gain valuable information as well as gett to know others who are experiencing the same situations.

5. Research information on care giving for specific illnesses or conditions that your parents might have. With research you also might find services that are available, such as cleaning, transportation, adult day care, meal programs, senior citizen centers or health care options.

6. Learn about insurance coverage. Prescription drugs and medical care can become a tremendous financial burden for families. Talk to your parents about the costs they might incur and the resources they have available to pay them. Determine whether they have health insurance, Medicare, or other resources. You also need to know what life insurance policies they hold.

7. Inventory the assets in your parent's retirement plans, as well as income from investments and Social Security. What debt or liabilities do they have? Consider tax issues. Consult with an accountant to evaluate all financial issues.

8. Take care of yourself. In addition to the time and work involved in caring for your parents, don't discount the physical and emotional strain involved. There are many national organizations that can aid you in your care-giving efforts.

References

• Today's Caregiver: Caregiving for a Parent or Elderly Person