Though it’s not always the easiest thing to think about, it’s important that you have a plan in place to care for your elderly parents. Of course, you won’t want to consider that one day the people who raised you won’t be able to look after themselves, but you also don’t want to put off taking any action right until the last minute. Even if your parents are still in good health, it’s worth having a plan in place so everyone is on the same page.
So the question remains: what should you do to prepare yourselves?
Organise A Family Meeting
The first thing you need to do is bring the family together including your parents and all brothers and sisters. Something like this should be discussed face to face, making sure everyone knows beforehand what you are going to talk about so there are no surprises. When you have the meeting itself, allow everyone an opportunity to speak and get their own personal points of view across. Make sure to explain that this meeting has been arranged so that everyone fully understands the plan.
Find Out What Your Parents Want
Obviously, you’ll want to make sure that you take your parents’ wishes into account. It is likely that they will want to live independently for as long as they can, but you need to consider your options for when this is no longer possible. There are a wide range of independent living options available including cottages and apartments that offer some kind of care. These also offer a sense of community and independence. Another option may be for your parents to live with you, which will probably be the more affordable choice but the circumstances need to be right. If a care home is needed, it is worth looking into how to identify nursing home neglect.
Calculate the Costs
Many people don’t think about how they are going to pay for the care of their parents until the last minute. The further in advance you make financial arrangements, the better. It may be the case that some difficult decisions have to be made, and you have to be realistic about what you can and cannot afford. It’s worth writing out a detailed plan so nothing comes as a nasty shock. Examine all the different options that are available to you and this will give you a fuller picture.
Choose How You Will Be Involved
Think about what sort of a role you will play in the care of your parents. If you are planning to invite them to live with you, make sure you are fully prepared and are able to accommodate their needs. If you have any siblings, think about how you will divide responsibilities. Even if you are not planning on being the primary carer, think how often you are able to visit them and other logistical details.
These are just the first things to consider in what will be a complicated time. If you plan everything in advance, it should make everything easier in the long run.
