Building Up Your Eldercare Knowledge and Skills

Caring for an aging loved one is both a rewarding and overwhelming experience. As the loved ones in your life age, there are a whole new set of legal, financial, and medical circumstances that could arise — in addition to new challenges in their day-to-day tasks. Being prepared to tackle these new life changes is crucial to ensuring you’re not caught off guard and your elderly family member’s needs are being taken care of. 

Addressing Legal and Financial Issues

The first step to addressing legal and financial issues is to sit down with your elderly parent or family member and assemble all of their essential documents. This guide has a comprehensive checklist of documents to prepare and organize. 

1. Make a file of all of your family’s key financial documents (and how to access the accounts!), including bank, investment, and retirement accounts. As well as insurance policies, pension statements, real estate documents, tax returns, social security documents, and documentation of loan and debts. 
2. Make sure all your legal documents are organized, up to date, and in one place. Legal documents to prepare include: a will and estate planning, a living trust and power of attorney document (both a durable POA and a health care POA), beneficiary designations and more. 
3. Set up a budget for your loved one to help manage their finances, maintain their independence for as long as possible, and ensure they have the resources they need to age with dignity and peace of mind.
4. One of the biggest expenses to consider is the cost of long-term care and health care. Talk to your loved ones about your financial options should the need arise. 
5. Evaluate the cost and benefits of long-term care insurance to cover expenses for in-home care, assisted living, or nursing homes. Purchase long-term care insurance while you’re younger and healthier for lower premiums.
6. Consult with a financial planner, estate attorney, or tax advisor to ensure your plan meets your family’s goals and that you’re taking advantage of all available opportunities.
7. Research available government and community programs such as Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Medicaid, Medicare and more.

Navigating the Medical Systems 

‍Anticipating emergencies and planning ahead is essential to ensuring the safety, well-being, and quality of life for your loved one as they age. As your loved one gets older, the risk of sudden health issues—like falls, heart attacks, strokes, or cognitive declines—tends to increase. These emergencies can often catch families off guard, leading to rushed decisions, emotional distress, and financial strain. Being prepared to navigate the medical system will allow you to get them the best care and help you manage the emotional and financial strain. 

1. Get well-acquintated with your loved one’s primary care physician (PCP) and any other specialists they may need to see regularly. Ask them to provide your loved one’s medical history, give you a full rundown of their medications and prescriptions, as well as monitor for signs of memory decline or cognitive disorders and evaluate mobility issues or balance problems. 
2. Research and prepare for the most common emergencies. Post emergency contact numbers, including the primary care physician and any other medical specialists, in a visible place. Ensure you know the nearest hospital and have transportation options ready in case of an emergency. Install medical alert systems, invest in an Apple watch or another smart watch, and know which local emergency services can respond quickly.
   
   1. Falls are one of the most frequent emergencies among older adults. Reduce fall risks by ensuring the home is free of tripping hazards like loose rugs and clutter, installing grab bars in bathrooms, improving lighting, and encouraging the use of mobility aids if needed
   2. ‍Heart disease and stroke are leading causes of death in seniors. Familiarize yourself with the warning signs of a heart attack, such as chest pain and shortness of breath, as well as strokes, like sudden numbness, weakness, or paralysis in the arms, legs or face. 
3. Familiarize yourself with your loved one’s insurance coverage—whether through Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance. Understanding coverage limits, co-pays, and provider networks will spare you the stress of scrambling at the last minute to figure it out in an emergency, as well as save you from potential unexpected costs.

Assisting With Daily Tasks

One of the biggest challenges as your loved ones age is noticing changes in how they navigate day-to-day tasks, or activities of daily living (ADLs). If you see them struggling to feed themselves, keep up with personal hygiene, or be mobile — it may be time to step in. The good news is that you’ll have plenty of options to get you and your loved one through this phase of life! 

1. First, identify which tasks your loved one is struggling to do and could use additional help. If they’re struggling to cook, see if you and other members of your family can start dropping off meals to your loved one, or sign them up for a meal plan service. If keeping the home clean and running errands is a challenge, consider part-time housekeeping. 
2. Once you’ve identified where you need the help, it’s important to understand your options. Social workers associated with geriatric medicine programs or area agencies on aging can be found via the government’s Eldercare Locator. In many communities, they’re able to come to your home and explain what resources are available. Based on where an older adult lives, their income level, and their veteran status, they may be entitled to additional benefits above and beyond what’s typically offered.
3. Talk to your loved one about bringing in help (whether it’s you or someone else), understand their preferences, and remind them this is for their own benefit. Make sure to get the full “care team” — including children, spouses, and everyone else aligned before having the conversation.
4. Prepare your loved one’s living space for this phase of their life. Consider installing night-lights, grab bars and railings, and removing clutter to avoid the risk of falls and minimize upkeep. Removing rugs, installing a ramp, and getting a shower chair may also help with safety. The more their home is prepared, the more agency and independence your parent or loved one can maintain.
5. Set up systems for you and your loved one. Systems can be as small as getting a pill box organizer to make sure no medications are missed, to setting up weekly or daily food drop offs, or even setting up regular grocery deliveries. While there is no one-size fits all solution, building in routine and automating as much as possible will make it easier on you, while ensuring your family members are being well taken care of. 
6. If you believe your loved one may no longer be able to live independently, start researching your options. There are a variety of options that may work for your family based on your needs, budget, and what your loved one is most comfortable with — including moving your loved ones into your home, getting a part-time or full-time in-home aide, or moving them into a senior facility or nursing home.

If this sounds like a lot, don’t worry — take it one step a time. The most important thing is just to be prepared and know where to look as unexpected situations arise while you’re navigating this phase of your life with your loved one. Remember to lean on your community, and use all the resources available to you as you take care of your aging parent or family member. And now that you’ve read this guide, you’re more prepared than you think!