Simple steps to ensure your aging parents get proper care at home

Caring for aging parents can mean bringing in professional home aides or opting for assisted living communities where they can have regular help. Financial planning can involve Medicaid, personal savings, or insurance with a long-term care planning option rider.

The World Health Organization reports that 1 in 6 people worldwide will be at least 60 years old by 2030. As people age, they may require more care, from accommodations to medical visits. The children of many older parents may feel pressure to ensure their comfort, which is why early planning and discussions are essential.

How Can I Assess Aging Parents’ Needs?

Senior care options can include making a home more comfortable so parents can stay or finding a different facility for them to live in. These options depend on your parents’ preferences as well as the level of care they’ll need.

In-Home Caregiving

If you’re a child doing some caregiving or want to find relief for a healthier parent who’s caring for a sick one, there’s help from professional home health aides who can visit your parents several times a week.

Depending on their training level and certification, home health professionals can help with anything from medication dispensing to cooking to light cleaning. Some may serve as companions to help avoid senior loneliness.

With people living longer, many Americans are already readjusting their homes to prepare for future mobility adjustments. This can include simple upgrades like handlebars in bathrooms or complex additions such as a stairlift or elevator to a multi-story home

Facility Solutions

What if your parents need a little more help? Book an adult family home assessment to find the right fit. An assisted living facility can provide daily help from dressing to bathing while in a community environment. Plus, seniors are around others who they can do activities with, from field trips to classes.

Seniors dealing with Alzheimer’s or dementia have memory care environments tailored to assisting with this condition.

What Goes Into Financial Planning

Elderly health needs can be made easier with estate planning. Ask your parents what they plan to do with assets and if they have protective insurance such as Whole Life insurance and long-term care coverage. If they no longer feel the need to hold life insurance, they can cash it out for a lump sum and use it for living expenses in older age.

See about Medicare, which covers short-term rehab, or Medicaid for long-term care for seniors with limited income.

Is one of your parents a veteran? Make sure they have checked with the VA about benefits they may qualify for.

Help Your Parents Age Gracefully

As you deal with aging parents, you want to ensure they have appropriate care based on their wants and needs. That may include helping them make home modifications so they can comfortably age in place or move them to an assisted living or nursing facility.

Have these discussions early and make financial plans so there are no surprises that can be uncomfortable for you and them.

Learn more about lifestyle adjustments from other guides on our website.