One of our Gals, Susan Valoff, has been a social worker for 14 years and now is a partner in a privately owned company, Eldercare Guides.\u00a0 In July, Susan presented helpful information about caring for your aging parents.\u00a0 (I posted her agenda at the end of this blog.)<\/p>\n
Many of us are in our 40s so our parents are near to old age, or already there.\u00a0 But, no matter your age or the age of your parents, its important to have proactive discussions with your parents so you can be supportive and help them plan ahead.\u00a0 High end assisted living care can cost as much as $8,000 per month, so its better to plan ahead!<\/p>\n
Susan pointed out a couple of discussion tools such as “The 5 Wishes” and the POLST form.\u00a0 She recommends that the children become detectives and ask questions.\u00a0 “What is that medication?” “How is your health?”\u00a0 “What do you think about what you want for end of life?” “Did you meet with an estate planner?”\u00a0 Etc., Etc.<\/p>\n
Pieces of information you can easily keep about your parents include knowing their health insurance plan and knowing their neighbors names and phone numbers.\u00a0 It is also a good idea to know their doctor’s contact info.<\/p>\n
Thanks to Susan for being so thorough and well prepared.\u00a0 You can reach her at 619-450-4300 or svaloff@eldercareguides.com with more questions or to hire her company to assist your family.\u00a0 Susan’s agenda and reference list follows below.<\/p>\n
Caring for Your Aging Parents:
\nTen Things You Need to Know Now<\/p>\n
Susan Valoff, LCSW, C-ASWCM
\nVice President, Clinical Services, Elder Care Guides<\/p>\n
1. It\u2019s OK to ask!
\nNow is the time to learn more about your parents\u2019 health conditions, medications, legal documents, and support system.<\/p>\n
2. Estate planning is critical to avoid future legal, financial and family problems.<\/p>\n
3. Money matters when it comes to long-term care planning.<\/p>\n
4. Caregiving: you can do it alone, but you don\u2019t have to. In fact, it\u2019s better if you don\u2019t!<\/p>\n
5. Alzheimer\u2019s disease is not just a memory problem: be able to recognize the early signs of dementia.<\/p>\n
6. There are benefits out there for veterans, but you need to ask.<\/p>\n
7. Medicare, Medi Cal and HMOs — know the insurance basics for seniors.<\/p>\n
8. Ramps, grab bars and raised toilet seats \u2013 home safety and accessibility prevents injury and hospitalization.<\/p>\n
9. \u201cLevels of Care\u201d: familiarize yourself with the facility options of skilled nursing, assisted living, independent living and dementia care.<\/p>\n
10. Help them do what they love \u2013 purposeful activity increases elders\u2019 longevity and quality of life.<\/p>\n
Some Resources<\/p>\n
Alzheimer\u2019s\/Dementia:
\nAlzheimer\u2019s Association: www.alz.org
\nGeorge G. Glenner Family Alzheimer\u2019s Center, San Diego www.alzheimerhelp.org<\/p>\n
Caregiver Stress:
\nFamily Caregiver Alliance www.caregiver.org
\nSouthern Caregiver Resource Center, San Diego www.caregivercenter.org<\/p>\n
Geriatric Care Management:
\nNational Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers: www.caremanager.org
\nElder Care Guides, San Diego: www.eldercareguides.com<\/p>\n
Estate Planning:
\nAmerican Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys www.aaepa.com
\nNational Association of Elder Law Attorneys www.naela.org<\/p>\n
Long-Term Care:
\nElder Care Locator www.eldercare.gov
\nMedicare Nursing Home Compare www.medicare.gov\/nhcompare
\nJody Hubbard, Long-Term Care Insurance Services www.jodyhubbard.com
\nA Place for Mom www.aplaceformom.com<\/p>\n
Veterans\u2019 Benefits:
\nVeterans Benefits Administration\u00a0 www.vba.va.gov
\nSan Diego County Office of Veterans Services\u00a0 http:\/\/www.sdcounty.ca.gov\/hhsa\/programs\/ais\/veterans_services\/<\/p>\n
Medicare\/Medi-Cal:
\nMedicare www.medicare.gov
\nCalifornia Health Advocates\/HICAP: http:\/\/www.cahealthadvocates.org\/HICAP\/<\/p>\n
Fall Prevention:
\nMayo Clinic\u00a0 http:\/\/www.mayoclinic.com\/health\/fall-prevention\/HQ00657<\/p>\n
Purposeful Activity:
\nThe Eden Alternative www.edenalt.org
\nWhat are Old People For? (Book by Dr. William Thomas)\t\t<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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