Plan Ahead for Elderly Parents

When Caring for Aging Parents, Some Basic Information is Needed

Mar 30, 2009

Adult children caring for elderly parents should have basic medical, legal and financial information at their fingertips.

At a certain point in their lives, most people find themselves having to provide more and more help for their elderly parents. Depending on the relationship, this time of transition may be loving or difficult, but it will involve changing the nature of the parent-child relationship. Even though elderly people are remaining independent longer, adult children who take the time to acquaint themselves with their aging parents’ affairs will be better prepared to meet future challenges.

Health and Medical Information

In case of a medical emergency, the family caregiver should know the name and contact information of each parent’s doctor, dentist, or specialists. If hospital admission is required, having a copy of health insurance policy numbers on hand will speed the admission process.

As the caregiver, keep a list of all medications and supplements taken and be aware of the arrangements for refills; know if either elderly parent has any allergies, especially to medications; be aware of any past serious medical conditions, surgeries or treatments, and if either parent has an implant (such as artificial joints or pacemaker).

Financial and Legal Affairs

If a parent become incapacitated, it may be necessary for the family caregiver to take over the routine tasks of paying bills and managing the parent’s financial affairs. Have the name and contact information for the parent’s accountant and financial adviser and know where the financial records are kept. (This may also be good time to review their financial situation to ensure that affairs are being properly managed and kept up-to-date.)

Ask for a list of banks, account numbers and safety deposit boxes and get a list of all insurance providers, this includes home, auto, life and mortgage insurance.

As well, the caregiver should know the contact information of the parent’s lawyer; know where wills are filed. If a will has not yet been made, encourage the parent to have this done as soon as possible.

Social Memberships

Do not neglect the social network of the elderly parent; these are the people who also care about the welfare of the parent and may be able to provide assistance in a crisis. If the elderly parent attends a church, have contact information for the church and know in advance if the parent would appreciate a call from the pastor if ill or hospitalized.

Even if the elderly parent is not ill or failing, have the name and phone number of a close neighbor who can be contacted contact in case the parent can’t be reached.

The family caregiver and all other family members should be aware of any advance directives in case of medical emergency, such as resuscitation efforts or use of life-support machines; ask if funerals have been prearranged and who to contact.

When asking for this kind of information from an elderly parent, the adult child can use the opportunity to encourage a series of frank and honest discussions about the future. With patience and understanding, these discussions can ease the fears and stress for everyone and set a good example for the next generation.

The copyright of the article Plan Ahead for Elderly Parents in Caring for Family Members is owned by Marianne Lepa. Permission to republish Plan Ahead for Elderly Parents in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.