It Takes Careful Planning to Care for Your Parents. Don’t Miss These Considerations!

Senior Care Big Timber MT:It Takes Careful Planning to Care for Your Parents

Planning and arranging senior care for your mom and dad isn’t a decision to take lightly. You need to research the local options and find the right services for their needs. Make sure you’re considering these factors when you are making arrangements.

Ask Doctors for Input

Ask your parents’ doctors for input on what health conditions they have and if there are dietary restrictions. Make sure paperwork like HIPAA permissions, living wills/advance directives, and POLST forms are on record.

The doctor may have suggestions on senior care services that would benefit your parents. You might also get information on agencies that the doctor can recommend.

Get the Home Organized and Cleaned

When a caregiver comes in to start providing care, have the home clean and organized. If the caregiver can easily find things and doesn’t have to ask you throughout the day, more time can be devoted to spending time getting to know your parents. Some of the things to have in order are:

  • Medical forms and emergency contacts
  • Medications
  • First aid kit
  • Cleaning supplies

Have a to-do list set out for the caregiver to refer to. Don’t expect the caregiver to follow it, but it’s helpful if the caregiver has an idea of what your parents are used to doing each day.

Do a Home Safety Check

Make sure there are no issues in terms of safety. If there is a deck stair that’s loose or rotting, replace it prior to the caregiver’s start. Have railings secured, fix loose carpeting or tiles, put in safety rails in the bathroom, and get a shower seat if necessary.

If your parent’s mobility is changing, have a cane available for days it’s needed. A grab bar to help your parents get out of bed or off the sofa is also useful if mobility has changed.

Prepare Your Parents

Make sure you’ve included your parents in the planning stages. If they can talk to the senior care agency and ask questions, let them. Walk them through how the first day will go and what to expect from the caregiver. Make sure they know the caregiver can do somethings and not others, so they can’t get upset if a caregiver is unable to do a specific task.

Senior care services are designed to help your parents live independently. They’re not there to infringe on their privacy or freedom. Caregivers help with the tasks that are challenging so that your parent doesn’t have to move. Call a senior care agency to learn about the range of services in your area.

If you or an aging loved-one is considering Senior Care in Big Timber, MT please contact the caring staff at AdvoCare Home Care Services today at 406-582-5402.