Mistakes to Avoid When Caring for a Senior Parent

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Caring for your elderly loved one involves educating yourself on the duties of a family caregiver, which extend beyond basic caregiving tasks. The more you learn about being a family caregiver, the fewer mistakes you are likely to make. Here are some common mistakes most people make when caring for an elderly parent.

Failing to Learn About Medicare and Medicaid

Aging can make your loved one susceptible to an array of health issues. For example, bone density and muscle strength decrease with age. While eating healthy foods and exercising on a regular basis increases balance and flexibility, it may not prevent bone and cell deterioration altogether. You should be aware of your loved one’s insurance options prior to an accident or injury occurring. If your loved one falls and requires physical therapy, you need to know if insurance will cover the costs. Learn as much about Medicare and Medicaid as possible, and find out which of these two insurance plans your loved one qualifies for.

Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional home care. Lincoln, CA, Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.

Doing Everything Alone

Refusing to ask for help is one of the biggest mistakes family caregivers can make. If you do everything alone, your health could decrease. It’s important to ask family members and close friends to help. If they are unable to step in, explain to your parent that a professional caregiver needs to be hired. Go over the benefits of having a caregiver, and assure your loved one that you will still be there helping out.

Whether your elderly loved one needs part-time assistance with basic household chores or you need a break from your caregiving duties, the Lincoln respite care experts at Home Care Assistance are here to help. All of our respite care services are backed with a 100% satisfaction guarantee, there are no hidden fees in our contracts, and we never ask our clients to sign long-term contracts.

Forgetting About Senior Benefits and Resources

The cost of living can be high for seniors, but there are low-cost options available to cover expenses such as medical bills, social activities, and meals. Help your loved one search for these benefits. Several organizations offer caregiving assistance to seniors for little or no cost. You can also find transportation services for your loved one when he or she needs to go to the doctor, shop for groceries, pick up prescriptions, or attend a senior-friendly outing within the community.

Refusing to Have the Conversation About Future Care

You need to know your loved one’s wishes regarding healthcare and who will become a legal power of attorney. If you refuse to have this conversation, you may not be able to make decisions pertaining to your loved one’s care and finances once he or she becomes incapacitated. Sit down with your loved one early on to find out if he or she has a healthcare proxy, living will, and power of attorney. An elder law attorney can ease the conversation and provide your family with tips and legal advice.

Families who need help caring for a senior loved one can turn to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of Lincoln senior home care. Services available in our customizable care plans include meal prep, mental and social stimulation, assistance with personal hygiene tasks, and much more. To create a comprehensive in-home care plan for your aging loved one, give us a call at (916) 226-3737 today.

 

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