Have you discussed the future of your parents' care with your mom and dad? Do you know what they would want if they couldn't care for themselves? Do you know the medications they take regularly? Do you know where they fill prescriptions? All of these are things you need to talk about with your aging parents.Why is it Important?
Your mom fell and broke her hip. She's going to be in the hospital and then she'll need to take it easy at home. She's going to need help with laundry and housework. There's no way she can stand at the stove and cook a meal. Do you have the time to go to her house every day and help her with all of her daily chores?
After his stroke, your dad is going to require a wheelchair. He's in need of help getting on and off the toilet and into the shower. Can you balance your job, your own family's needs, and the care your dad needs?
You get a call that your mom's in the ER after a car crash and is unconscious. The doctor needs to know what medications and supplements she takes every day before he can treat her. Do you know what she takes?
All of these situations can happen without warning. If you have never thought of a treatment plan, you'll be stuck trying to find answers when you're stressed. By having everything planned in advance, there are no surprises. You'll be able to provide pertinent information in a hurry.
Plans You Need to Discuss
If your mom's heart stops, does she want life-saving measures taken to keep her alive? Would she want a feeding tube? Does she want to be hooked up to a ventilator? She needs to set up someone to speak on her behalf and make sure the doctor doesn't do things she feels strongly against.
Do you know what bills your parents pay each month? Do they have a reverse mortgage, a home equity loan, or some other loan that could lead to foreclosure if terms are not followed? Are the bills paid up or is anything delinquent? Have account numbers and passwords so that you can make sure bills are paid on time.
Pet care is something families overlook. If something happens to your mom and dad, what happens with their pets? Is anyone close to your parents willing to take the pets? If not, do your parents have a preferred animal rescue or shelter to handle the pet's rehoming?
Home care is the best way to help your parents age at home. Caregivers can help with activities of daily living. With caregivers helping them with housework, meals, laundry, and transportation, your parents enjoy being independent without risking their safety. Partner with your parents to interview senior care professionals. Call a senior care agency today to set things up.
IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED-ONE ARE CONSIDERING HIRING IN-HOME SENIOR CARE IN STREETERVILLE, IL, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT BRIGHTSTAR CARE CHICAGO. CALL TODAY: 312.382.8888.
About Lenora Alabi, Branch Manager
Lenora Alabi graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Millikin University in Decatur, IL. Prior to joining the BrightStar Care team, Lenora taught pharmacy related courses as the Lead Instructor for the Pharmacy Technician Program at Everest College for six years, helping to prepare students for careers in pharmacy. She was also the Program Manager for the Massage Therapy Program at Everest.
Lenora joined the BrightStar Care Family in 2015 as a Customer Care Manager where she excelled and made a significant impact on customers and staff through her passion in delivering a higher standard of care. Lenora became Branch Manager in 2016 and she continues to exhibit that same passion by ensuring that the highest quality care is provided to all clients and families. She also works diligently to ensure that the BrightStar Care core values are a meaningful part of every activity. “The standards are impeccable, and BrightStar Care is a company that works endlessly to ensure that customers are receiving the best care possible.”