Be An Informed Consumer

All to often, we find ourselves dealing with a family situation that we either did not notice or simply wanted to deny. It happens to all of us. One day we recognize that mom or dad can't remember where they put their car keys and the next day they can't remember where they put the car. Sooner or later it becomes our obligation to watch out for our parents. When that day arrives, we are seldom prepared. We don't know where to go or who to get advice from. Sometimes we go to neighbors and friends, and sometimes we rely on our family doctor or family attorney. Everyone means well, but the one-size-fits-all plan is just never quite good enough when it comes to our own family members. We want the best for them, and that is the way it should be.

Be an informed consumer when it comes to helping mom or dad. Check out all the community resources, educate yourself on the various options for home care or assisted living facilities, and don't be afraid to consult with a private professional geriatric case manager, private fiduciary/conservator, or an elder law specialist.
Consult with the family doctor to determine mom or dad's problem as to cause and treatment plans. Gather the family together to discuss how the family can help and what is needed. Once you have a general plan, you can work on what the cost will be to make the plan workable for that family member. Sometimes it is simply having someone come in to help with cooking and heavy cleaning a few hours a day or while you are working. Other times it may involve more time and assistance in household chores or personal care, like bathing, dressing and ambulating. It may even involve a graduated level of care as time goes by from a limited amount of assistance to licensed residential placement or skilled nursing. Whatever the need may be, once you are familiar with the resources in your community, you will be a better informed consumer and will feel more confident about helping your own family member.