NMFN: NS, PP, LE, FM, Caregiving and Long-Term Care

Today's elderly population is from tough stock. Think about the national and international events they lived through and how that impacted their character. Now think about that same type of person having to face the aging process and admit to failing health.

When you begin to see signs of aging in your parents, it's time to get involved. Waiting will only make the process of lining up care and handling their estate harder. Look for things like weight loss, inactivity, trouble with daily activities and a change of attitude toward life. When you start to see those behavioral changes, set up a time to meet with mom and dad to discuss how they are doing and how you can help them age gracefully.

Opening Your Home to a Parent

Most people feel inclined to take an aging parent into their own home. This may not be the right decision for you or your parent. Numerous resources are available for eldercare and you shouldn't feel obligated to provide home care. If you know that your parent will live more productively and peacefully in your home, then you may decide to become the caregiver.

You don't have to do it alone, though. Make sure you discuss your decision to provide care for your parent with your siblings and any other family members that are affected. Be honest about your expectations of support and help from each member.

Evaluating the Needs of Your Loved One

Before your parent moves in, careful consideration must be given to your parent's needs and condition. Will the aging process happen rapidly? Will you need to request specific medical care?

Evaluate the short-term needs and the long-term needs that you and your parent will face. Over the short-term, your parent may need a social group, a physical therapist, and a walker. Short-term needs change and evolve as the aging process continues. This list should be reviewed on a monthly or bimonthly basis, especially as you learn about the services available in your area, and new products or technologies that will make life more fulfilling for your parent.

Over the long-term, your parent will need a plan to pay for extensive medical expenses, an estate plan and a durable power of attorney. Long-term needs are relatively static. As your parent becomes less capable of running their own finances and managing their own health care, you will be grateful that you took the time early on to put a plan together.

Caring for the Caregiver

One of the most important things you can do as the caregiver is to take care of yourself. Considering how much responsibility you have for the health of another individual, you need to make sure you hold yourself together. The best way to do that is to take breaks from your parent.

Step away from the caregiving role at least once a day. Plan longer breaks, too. Arrange for a friend or sibling to spend a day or afternoon with your loved one so you can run errands, take an aerobics class, or get a cup of coffee in a quiet shop. You need to refresh yourself regularly so that you will be able to continue providing quality and loving care for your parent.

Long-Term Care Defined

Advances in medical treatment have extended the average life expectancy. As your parent ages, it may become necessary for him or her to receive regular and chronic paid care. This doesn't necessarily mean you have to check your parent into a nursing home. Long-term care can include extended care for specific illnesses, hospice care, or for a home aid to help your parent perform basic living tasks.

For information about Long-Term Care insurance from Northwestern Long Term Care Insurance Company, visit the Long-Term Care Insurance product section of the site.