How to Deal With Elderly Parents in Their 90's

A parent in her 90s requires constant care.

Children who are dealing with a parent in his 90s face many challenges. With longer life spans, more and more parents are living into their 90s and beyond, according to Senior Citizen Journal. These elderly parents require increasing care. Caregiver children will need to attend to their care, financial issues, living arrangements and end-of-life matters on behalf of the parent.

Instructions

1. Talk with your parent about establishing a financial power of attorney. The website Financial Edge suggests a "springing" power of attorney that only takes effect if the parent becomes incapable of making independent financial decisions.

2. Arrange for your parent's long-term care. Elder care facilities include, but are not limited to, assisted living centers, nursing homes and hospice care. The United States Department of Health and Human Services National Clearinghouse for Long Term Care provides information for understanding, planning and paying for long term care.

3. Discuss medical wishes with your parent. Approach the topic sensibly, asking what your parent wishes to have done if she becomes unable to communicate medical decisions for herself, suggests Cargiving.org. This conversation will focus on issues such as DNR (do not resuscitate) orders and other extraordinary medical measures.

4. 

   Reach out to your synagogue or church for support.

   Ask for help. You are an important part of your parent's aging process. Turn to community and personal resources for support. Friends, religious organizations and social workers understand your situation. Let them help you.

References

• Senior Citizen Journal: Issues Facing Senior Citizens Who Have Elderly Parents
• Financial Edge: How To Parent Your Aging Parents
• Caregiving.org: Aging Parents and Common Sense
• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: National Clearinghouse for Longterm Care
• Administration on Aging (AOA): Elders and Families

Resources

• USDHHS: U.S. Administration on Aging: Eldercare Locator