Steps To Caring For Our Grandparents at CarpetSweeperPlus Blog

As the population ages, and life expectancies become longer, most people will have to consider the best ways of caring for our grandparents. For some, aging is a gradual and graceful process, but for others, illness and disability comes unexpectedly. Planning for a grandparent?s care in advance, even if the planning process requires some uncomfortable conversations, will help families to know older family members wishes, ensure their safety, and plan for the time when long-term care becomes necessary.

Elder care begins with conversation. Each grandparent should have the chance to express their wishes, their needs, their fears, and their priorities, as they face the aging process. Discussions should bring out the grandparent?s wishes for medical care, as well as housing, and should provide family members with a realistic picture of the grandparent?s finances.

Families should make sure certain legalities are established. Family members should know where a grandparent?s will is kept, and should know the contents of a living will, if applicable. Also, grandparents should select someone to whom they will grant power of attorney. The person with power of attorney will have the authority to make decisions for the grandparent, including financial and medical decisions.

Family members should ensure safety in a grandparent?s home. Some safety steps include ensuring that smoke detectors are working, that fire escapes are usable, and that poisonous items are labeled. Families should also post emergency numbers, and should think about obtaining a medical alert system, which would bring aid to the house, at the push of a button, if needed.

Families should work to limit hazards, which could lead to falls. In the home, families should tack down any loose carpets, and should remove hazards, like thresholds and throw rugs. In addition, families should ensure that the home has clear pathways, which are well-lit, using night lights where needed. In tubs or showers, family members should install handrails, grab bars, and non-slip strips.

Families should examine the feasibility of long-term care insurance. Policies may cost a great deal up-front, but they will provide for care options that Medicaid will not cover. Families should ask questions about benefits, including when they begin, and how they are paid. Additionally, families should ask about coverage, to find out the extent of coverage, and how coverage may change over the life of the policy.

Senior care facilities should be researched before they are needed. Calling adult day cares, assisted living facilities, and home health services, will familiarize families with the available options in the community. In addition to calling, family members should take the time to visit some facilities, and put grandparents on a waiting list.

Caring for our grandparents involves more than just elder care. Time is a precious and limited commodity, and families should take every opportunity to build relationships with elders now. Sending gifts and cards for special occasions, keeping in touch via internet or phone, and visiting grandparents, when possible, are some possibilities for staying connected. Strengthening relationships now will build the trust required to discuss elder care.

Check out our site for aged care tips to improve the safety, health and well-being of seniors, now. You can also find information about a friendly and vibrant aged care Gold Coast community, today.

Source: http://carpetsweeperplus.com/blog/2011/09/steps-to-caring-for-our-grandparents/

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