Elderly Family Members: What To Consider For Their Care Needs

Today, on Redhead Mom, I’m sharing a partnered guest post about elderly family members and what to consider for their care needs.

Elders within your family will at some point need some memory care for seniors and additional care as well as . This could be from you, or a professional nursing home or senior community such this one at www.tiffanycourt.com/community-life/. Either way, here’s what you need to know.

Consider Their Daily Living Needs

Generally speaking, when it comes to supporting elderly family members, you will need to make sure they have the essentials related to their physical and emotional capacities. This includes needs such as being able to feed themselves, dress themselves, take a bath or shower, move around with semi-ease, and go to the toilet, if you are unable to provide the help they need then you’re going to have to make the decision of whether a retirement community for seniors is the best option for your loved one.

When they are no longer able to do some of these basic living needs, then it may be time to consider finding them appropriate help, which can come in a few different shapes. It may be the case that they just need some new equipment or supporting technology, or it could be that they need home care professionals.

Think Of Their Daily Activities

As mentioned, every elder will be different and unique. Have a think about what activities they need to complete in order to live their daily life. That could include tasks such as cooking and preparing meals, running errands such as shopping, managing their money and paying bills, cleaning and general maintenance of the home, taking medicine and other such tasks. Consider writing about their lives by incorporating their information into the task Writing your life story.

These are all basic needs that they should be able to complete, and if they can’t, then they will need to be supported with it and that’s why a place like a memory care living for seniors could be the best option for this. This could be through you, other members of your family, their friends or professionals. There is also technology that can be utilized for support needs, so have a look around and find something that works for everyone.

What Is Their Living Arrangement Situation?

It’s possible that your elderly family members are still living at home. That could still be a viable solution, providing they are still able minded and in safe space, while if you need to get them a gift, getting a 70th birthday necklace is always a good idea. However, it’s worth assessing the situation regularly to find the best living arrangement such as considering a senior community living being offered from a place like regencyplaceseniorliving.com/living-options/assisted-living/.
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There are a few different options available to elders, such as continuing to live independently, with some adjustments. This is the most popular decision for elders, who are still physically able to live this way.

Otherwise, there are different communities available for elders, from memory care for seniors, independent elder communities, to assisted living ones. Independent living communities are more for active and independent seniors who will buy or rent a home in a specific elder community. There are usually local amenities, such as gyms, security, laundry services, social activities, meals and transportation into town. You can visit this place orchardparkatsouthfork.com/assisted-living/ if you are interested to know more.

Then you have assisted living communities like the ones at pioneerplacememoryhaven.com/ and nursing homes, which cater for seniors who need an extra bit of care and attention. The staff are highly trained medical professionals who are able to assist with medication administration, as well as providing other services for their daily needs.

It’s important that you find somewhere that both supplies everything you think they need, and that your elderly family members are happy with it. No one wants to be forced into a home, so make it as seamless as you possibly can. Nursing care can be provided by reputable providers such as St. Anne’s Retirement Community, who are recognized for their excellence in quality care across the Lancaster and York region.

The other option is you or another able minded family member to move in with your elderly family member. This helps them be provided with companionship and get specified care that is provided by someone they care about. There are pros and cons to this, as it’s usually great for the elder, but the younger family member will have to sacrifice a lot, and may not be able to work as much, hindering their finances.

Consider Their Finances

Speaking of finances, it’s important to understand your elder’s financial situation. There will be impacts related to their money when you make decisions on supporting their wellbeing. Consider looking around for elder financial programs that are put in place to support. 

If you are the one offering them care, you just may be able to get a tax relief by claiming them as a dependent, or by deducting any medical expenses. Fortunately, there are programs available to help provide tax assistance to seniors when tax season comes around.

Usually, no matter what you do, providing additional care for an older member of your family will cost some amount of money. If possible, you should try to plan ahead and estimate future costs, so you and anyone else can budget accordingly. 

That’s why one of the first things you should do is get a grasp on their financials, so that you know If they will be able to afford the costs of care themselves, or if they will need any assistance.

You could contact an elder law attorney or some sort of financial planner who will be able to assist with working through the paperwork associated with applying for government programs. In general, they will be able to provide you with information that will help you and your older family members going forward.

How Will You Get Support If Needed?

Relating to the money situation, you should consider just how you yourself will get support if you need it. For example, whilst you may be provided someone with care, that could put you in a position where your life has stagnated. 

It’s important to understand that you are not alone, as there are many groups and organizations that can help support you. Educating yourself on this will not only help you, but your elderly family members on the long term.

Work With Your Elders Where Possible

Of course, you don’t want to do anything that upsets or endangers your older family members, so ensure you are communicating with them at all times, in order to avoid any unwanted surprises that could end badly.

This way, there is full transparency and everyone will be working towards the same goal. You don’t want to fall out with anyone when you’re just trying to find the best solution.