“Caregiving Contracts” are legal documents between your aging parent and a family member that spells out in very specific details the kinds of services and tasks the caregiver will provide, over what course of time and the rate of pay for the services performed by the caregiver. If you choose this option, I highly recommend using an elder law lawyer to draft up the contract and that other family members, especially siblings, should be aware of what is being agreed upon. To prevent conflicts, this type of arrangement should be transparent to all family stakeholders invested in your parent’s…
Physical limitations make a person much more difficult to attend to. Especially, if they are totally bedridden. Therefore, speak with the physician and have it explained exactly what undertaking their needs involves. Consequently, you may find that you may not be able to handle their condition. First of all, caring for a parent should be a family decision. Your spouse, children, and siblings should all be willing to play some role. Because, a support system is necessary. Therefore, if you have no offers of help and you cannot handle the condition, nursing home placement should be considered. Allowing your heart…
Below is a list of Frequently Asked Questions that may help to address some of your concerns when working with a home care organization: What is your mission? How long have you been in business and how long have you served this area? What types of clients do you serve? What level of care do you provide? What level of employee do you employ (are they employees or independent contractors) and how many? What is your experience working with older adults? Do you specialize in any specific area of need/service? Do you provide community setting care in addition to in-home…
Following are 10 signs that your aging parent may might require help at home: A change in appearance or condition of the home — If your parents never cared much about the house, the fact that it’s a little messier than usual might not indicate a problem. However, if the house was always spotless, a messy home may be a cause for concern. Clutter – Piles of magazines or clothing could be an indicator that an older adult needs more help. Dirty or unkempt clothing – Lack of interest in appearance can be a sign of depression in a senior….
Caregiving for aging family members is challenging. However, in today’s mobile society where family members may live many miles apart, it is especially stressful. Therefore, for the long distance caregiver there is a sense of concern that can generate tremendous guilt. The National Institute of Health (NIH) estimates that there are approximately seven million Americans are long-distance caregivers i.e. caregiving for someone who lives an hour’s drive or more away. From providing respite care, to remote financial or medical management support; arranging and supervising in-home care; or being available in case of emergency. Additionally, long-distance caregivers step in as advocates…
Senior home care services can allow seniors to stay comfortably in their own homes. But, selecting home care agencies for your loved ones is one of the most important decisions you will make; because we desire our loved ones to be safe, comfortable and well cared for. Accordingly, here are some questions to ask prior to hiring the service: 1. When choosing senior home care it's important to consider the needs of the senior. Do they have specific medical requirements? Therefore, they may require a care specialist or have a caregiver with specific training. What about compatibility? As the right…
Adult daycare centers and in-home senior care are both excellent choices that permit elderly and disabled adults to live at home rather than move into a nursing home or assisted living facility. In order to make the best choice for your family, it’s helpful to learn what each offers before deciding which best suits your situation. Either choice allows family caregivers to: • Keep a full or part-time job; • Have help with the physical needs involved with care; • Obtain respite from what can be a 24-hour responsibility; • Reclaim your relationship as spouse, son or daughter rather than…
Important Documents To Keep Handy: Keep these documents about your aging parent or loved one in a designated file/folder: Contact Names and Numbers Medication Workshhet Allergy and Condition Worksheet Physician Visit Worksheet Health Care Proxy DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) Order Advance Directives such as Living Will and Durable Power of Attorney Insurance Policies Will and Testament Copy of Medicare/Medicaid Card Copy of Health Insurance/Cards Valuables Designation List
A caregiver cotract is angreement between an aging parent and child, a relative or anyone else that sets forth the length of time and rate of pay for caregiving services, and the tasks to be performed. However, most children don’t want to be paid for services provided to their parents. But, the children are providing a valuable service, and may be suffering a financial loss by taking time away from a job to do so, or other activities. Also, by spending down assets to pay for caregiving, aging parents can utilize this asset protection tool to qualify for Medicaid if…
In the U.S. there are approximately 62 million unpaid Family Caregivers. In a recent AARP report, if it wasn’t for these unpaid family caregivers, this country would be in even more dire straits. These family caregivers increasingly, middle-aged offspring taking care of their elderly parents – provided $450 billion worth of unpaid home care in 2009, states AARP. That’s more than the total Medicaid spending that year or more than Wal-Mart Inc.’s total sales in 2009. It’s also 20 percent higher than unpaid home care totals for two years earlier. “If the family caregiver were no longer available, we’d see…
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