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What To Do When Parents Need
Assistance at Home

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Some of the most stressful times are when adult children suddenly faced with the tough decisions associated with their parents who’ve suffered a health crisis. Most are quick to assume that a retirement community or nursing home are their only choices. That is not necessarily the case. Arranging for home care may work as effectively.

A recent survey indicates that 80 percent of Americans would rather stay in their own home even in the face of a major health or lifestyle change—but they’ve failed to let anyone know of their wishes or to make arrangement for in-home assistance when that time comes.

Granted, it’s not an easy subject but not nearly as difficult now when things are going well as it will be if you wait until after a health crisis or other life issue hits. Family members need to communicate their desires, expectations and personal wishes in a way they can be heard and understood. Below are some suggested topics:

EXPECTATIONS: What specific roles and expectations do you have for your family to provide personal assistance should you require that? Is he or she aware of your specific requests and concerns?

LONG-TERM CARE: What are your wishes in the event you need substantial assistance or require long-term care? Would you rather stay in your home or move to an assisted-living facility?

INSURANCE COVERAGE: What type of insurance coverage do you have (long-term care, prescription, health or life)? Who is the provider and where are the documents that give the contact information?

ADVANCE DIRECTIVES: Who have you appointed to make decisions on your behalf for care and life sustaining treatment? Where are your important papers like your Will, Power of Attorney and  Health Care Directive located?

FINANCIAL RESOURCES: Have you adequately saved for your retirement? Share the assumptions you factored in your retirement plan in regards to living and care expenses (e.g., number of years you anticipate your money would need to last, assumptions for personal expenses.) Are there assets at your disposal should you need funds to cover care expenses like cash value in life insurance, home equity?

There are many important areas that need to be addressed. By planning ahead, and talking with your parents so there is a clear understanding of their needs and desires, you will save yourself a lot of stress should their health situation change.