Elderlink.com states that the Pew Research Center found that 21% of Americans care for an elderly parent. While sometimes this situation comes on quickly, there are things you can do to better prepare yourself for when it does happen.
** One is to talk to your parents - find out what they want as they get older or if something happens. Go over the possibilities - assisted living, nursing home, care at home. Find out if they have a living will and / or any advance directives.
** Two is to get important documents or papers - make sure you have social security numbers, get any insurance information, accumulate doctor's names & numbers, sign HIPAA waivers with all doctors so you can talk to them and / or ask questions and help decide on treatment and tests.
** Three is to know your employer's family leave policy - The Family & Medical Leave Act was designed to help people keep their job when it came time to staying home and taking care of a child or elderly parent. Know what this means for you and your job.
** Four is research senior care options - check the difference between assisted living and a nursing home, if someone is a veteran find out what the Veterans Administration can help with, find in-home care agencies in your area. Check to see what their insurance will cover.
Best to be prepared. Talk to others who hare been a caretaker or are currently caring for someone.
Check these sites for information (these are only a few):
ElderCarelink
Caring.com
The Savvy Senior
Assisted Living Directory
Seniors List
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