As the holiday season is fast approaching, take time when you visit your parent’s house to review and plan their health and care situation.

Long Distance Caregiving is a way of life for many children. As the “Boomer” generation shifts our social structure, it is estimated by 2040 more working adults will care for parents than will care for children.

As the holiday season is fast approaching, take time when you visit your parent’s house to review and plan their health and care situation. It is better to deal with your parents now, rather than receiving a phone call in the middle of the night, from the hospital, when one of your parents has fallen. Thus, you may have a new role to play as a home Caregiver.

There are three primary areas of concern: medical, cognitive, and “Activities of Daily Living” (ADL’s). This last group includes items such as personal hygiene, meal preparation, medication management, toileting issues, and management of finances.

You must start somewhere. Therefore, if you are prepared to discuss the above, you will find it easier to deal with your parents. Discuss short and long term options with your parents i.e. staying at home with help, moving to an assisted living facility, or nursing home, if applicable. The challenge is daunting; however, not doing anything can be worse. Sometimes, having a professional elder care attorney and care coordinators can help with the situation. Therefore, you are reducing the tension and stress within the family, having professional independent advice. However, your parents’ personal wishes should never be overlooked. When the appropriate support has been identified, set up a schedule for communicating with your parents, other family members and caregivers, to ensure the plans are progressing. However, be prepared for sudden changes in health or residential status.

Consider all the options. While moving a parent closer to you, may be the best solution for you, in-home caregiving services may permit them to remain in the family home, which is preferred by older adults. In the event of a move, you must coordinate all aspects of a relocation project, including planning for the right location and facility, movers, realtors, shipping, packing, and much more.

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