You might have just had your annual visit with mom or dad this past holiday and for the first time you notice the changes that your sister has been reporting and you have been denying for the past two years.
To be fair, it is hard to see and accept that our once all-powerful and protective parent has a problem with memory or processing information that affects their safety. On the other hand, someone who sees an aging parent more frequently has usually been picking up signs for some time but after a major error in judgment is made does a family usually step in to make decisions out of respect and, of course, family tradition.
Not knowing how to proceed or how to communicate your concerns to your parent or even to their doctor is a challenge for most of us. You can ask them if they see they are having trouble with memory – some are and want an answer and others deny anything has changed.
But, you notice and more and more people start to express their concerns to you.
The question is – Where to begin? My suggestion is to have an initial consultation with a Professional Care Manager who is certified and a member of the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers or is supervised by someone who is.
Below are ways the Care Manager would assist you by becoming your partner for the entire journey or simply give you the tools you need to be successful – either way, it will be your choice.
1) Help you get the correct diagnosis and find a local clinic – sometimes these are research based and there are no charges.
2) Assist you with new ways of communicating to your parent.
3) Prepare you with what you will need to take over finances or health care decisions – of course some of these tools require a referral to an estate or elder law specialist.
4) Give you options for keeping your parents at home.
5) Tell you about “entitlements” you might apply for to assist with the cost of long term care in the home or in assisted living.
6) Assist you with a move if safety is compromised in the current location.
These are just a few of the issues a Professional Care Manager can assist you with. Our professionals at Eldercare Services and those throughout the country do not take referral fees and work only for the client – however, they can often get you reduced rates or discounts for placement services.
Please give us a call we will be glad to tell you what we suggest for your first approach so that you can be successful in your care for an aging parent or family member.