A Different Kind of New Year’s Resolution List
Read Time: 5 Minutes
It’s that time of year again – time to make your New Year’s resolutions. Many of us resolve to lose weight, exercise more, save money, or pick up a new hobby. But if you have aging parents or loved ones, there’s an important resolution to add to your list this year: start planning ahead for their future care needs.
It can be difficult to think about a time when our loved ones will need more help with daily activities and medical care. We may want to avoid the subject or assume we can figure it out when the time comes. But as professionals in senior care planning and transitions, we at Home to Home have seen firsthand that the sooner you start these conversations and make a plan, the more options you’ll have and the smoother the process will be when your loved one does need additional support.
So what should go on your senior care resolution list? Based on our experience, here are some key steps to take and topics to research and discuss with your family:
- Have an honest conversation with your loved ones about their wishes. Find out where they want to live as they age, what’s most important to them, and what worries them. Do they want to stay in their home or would they prefer a retirement home or long-term care home? Are they open to having in-home help if needed, so that they can remain living in their current home?
- Research the care options available in your province and the associated costs. Look into home care agencies and other sources where you can find in-home help, adult day programs, retirement homes, assisted living facilities, and long-term care homes. Learn about private-pay options vs. government subsidized options and the pros and cons of each. Find out what services are available, eligibility criteria, and what they cost. This will give you a sense of the choices available.
- Consider your loved one’s current and future health needs. Do they have any chronic conditions that will likely progress over time? What level of care do they need now and how might that change? If you are their healthcare representative, talk with their doctor about what to anticipate. It might also be time to review their medications with their pharmacist or doctor to make sure everything is still needed and in the right doses.
- Evaluate your loved one’s financial situation and explore funding options. Do they have savings, investments, a private pension, or long-term care insurance? Will they qualify for any government benefits like Old Age Security, the Canada Pension Plan, or veterans’ benefits? Consult a financial planner or elder law attorney for guidance.
- Make a plan for how your family will manage caregiving. If your goal is to keep your loved one at home, who will be the primary caregiver? Who is among the circle of support and what is each person’s time availability? How will you divide responsibilities and take breaks? Look into respite care options, especially if there is only one main family caregiver handling everything.
- Ensure your loved one’s legal paperwork is in order. This includes an up-to-date will, power of attorney, and possibly a healthcare representation agreement or an advance directive for healthcare decisions For more complex estates, it might be a good idea to connect with your estates lawyer to update your estate planning to take into account any recent changes in tax laws.
- Safety-proof your loved one’s home. Identify and remedy fall risks, improve lighting, install grab bars and consider an emergency alert system. Make accessibility modifications like ramps or stairlifts if needed. An occupational therapist can provide recommendations.
The idea of your parents aging or needing more help can evoke feelings of sadness and worry. Resolve to be proactive about senior care planning this year. Having these conversations early and putting a well-researched plan in place can bring great peace of mind. You and your family will be prepared to ensure your loved one is safe, comfortable and well-cared for as they age.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or uncertain about where to start with senior care planning, know that you don’t have to navigate this journey alone. At Home to Home, a care planning, care management and transition assistance business based in Vancouver, B.C., we specialize in helping seniors and their families make these important decisions. From developing a personalized care plan, to assisting with moves and downsizing, to providing ongoing care management and executor support, we are here to provide expert guidance every step of the way. Reach out today for a consultation to help you check senior care planning off your resolution list with confidence.
Tags: aging, caregiving, eldercare, home safety, senior, seniorcare, seniors