What's Happening With Our Parents?

For some. . . gone are the days when our parents call to ask how we're doing. Instead, today the majority of baby boomers are facing the possibility of taking care of their parents.

The AARP informs us millions of Americans are already providing unpaid help to adult family members who can no longer bathe themselves, prepare meals, take care of their finances or do other daily tasks most of us take for granted. In 2006 the estimated economic value of such care was $350 billion.

We're discovering family members need a third party to ease the burden of caring for their loved ones.

Knowing this is a sensitive topic, I'€™d like to walk you through and offer some helpful advice:

First, determine if your parents need extra care. The following areas are where aging loved ones may need extra attention.

•Physical health. Have your parents been diagnosed with any chronic physical disorders such as diabetes, high blood pressure or arthritis? What about conditions that make it hard for them to function such as bowel and bladder problems, heart disease, stroke or cancer? Do they have trouble walking, seeing or hearing?

•Mental health. Have they been diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer'€™s? Are they exhibiting signs of confusion, disorientation or isolation?

•Medications. Do you know the medications they'€™re using? Is there a reliable physician who stays on top of their medications? Are your parents taking the medications as directed or skipping doses or even doubling doses?

•Daily living skills. Observe whether your parents are struggling with their ability to dress, bathe or get up from a chair. Can they easily use the toilet, use the phone or make it up a flight of stairs? Do they know how to get help in an emergency?

Are your parents able to shop for themselves? Check their refrigerator. Is it stocked or bare? Do they still possess the skill to drive, especially to their medical appointments? Are they on top of their financial matters?

Face it, you may need a caregiver you can rely on and who can offer you the confidence your parents are getting the best help.

Second, do the research to find a qualified caregiver

You'€™ll be surprised at the variety of services available for the aging.

From Meals on Wheels to adult day care, these programs can help caregivers arrange for the help your parents need. The Eldercare Locator (800 677 1116) or eldercare.gov can inform you which local community services can provide special attention.

Another organization is The National Alliance for Caregiving, a non-profit coalition of national organizations dedicated to the issues of family care giving.

If you'€™re in a situation where you are "caring from a distance,"€ check out Caring from a Distance, an organization which specializes in the long-distance caregiver.

Finally, make your final selection of a qualified care coordinator.
Ask important questions to determine whether you'€™re hiring someone who can provide the right care. Inquire about their credentials. Are they licensed in the profession they are operating in?

You'll want to know how long they have been providing health care management services. Not only can they take your parents to the doctor, but are they capable of speaking to the physician about your father or mother'€™s health and report back to you?

Ask for their fees in writing. Feel free to request that they provide you with references.

This is a tremendously important topic of which I've only scratched the surface. I trust I have given you not only help, but a sense of peace.

John
Email John: johnsblog@teshmedia.com

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