5 essential steps for transitioning seniors into caregiving

THE WOODLANDS, Texas -- Eventually aging parents will need assistance with their daily needs. Few families have the resources and skill to handle the level of care they’ll require. The following essentials should be given serious consideration before the caregiving is needed.

1. Consider a long term care policy to take care of the in-home expense of a caregiver, or the cost of assisted living. The policy will need to be obtained before a major health issue. As the saying goes…insurance companies aren’t going to insure a burning house. On average, and depending on the type of policy, the monthly premium can be less than the cost of three days of assisted living care. You may not think you can afford it, but you can’t afford not to have LTC.

2. Select the caregiving that best meets your parents’ needs and, depending on their mental state of mind, let them participate in the decision-making.

3. If home caregiving is not a viable choice, research assisted living and memory care communities before the need arises. Frequent the community of choice with the parent prior to needing care, so that they’re familiar with the environment and feel welcome when the time comes. A sudden change in a parent’s physical or mental health may require swift action.

4. It’s human nature to resist change, and aging parents are no different. There is medication available for the anxiety a parent will experience due to the change in environment and routine. Discuss this with their medical professionals so it can become a part of their medication management.

5. Assisted living communities know that families are unfamiliar with the process of transitioning aging parents to a caregiving environment. They see to the needs of a large volume of seniors and will know what’s in your parents’ best interest. Rely on them to guide you through the process.

The Woodlands was originally a senior community and is well-equipped to handle seniors in any capacity. For more information view the following:

Senior Living Communities

Elderly Care & Nursing Services