Living with an aging parent is stressful for many families. Here are some tips for preparing for the transition. Find out how much it costs to live with an elderly relative, what steps to take before you move in and what legal help is available for your parent. A home health agency is a great resource for providing high quality care to your loved one. A home health care agency can help you with administrative tasks as well as financial management.
Living expenses for an older parent
Other than the care of an older parent, the caregiver also loses income, benefits and personal costs. The caregiver may be required to pay minor home modifications as well as travel costs to attend to medical appointments. American AARP states that the average caregiver spends around $3,888 annually caring to an elderly parent. Some facilities even charge for pets, require a first-month deposit, and may require additional supplies. Below are the costs involved in living with an older parent.
Depending on how much care is needed by an elderly parent, assisted living costs may vary. A senior parent might only need some assistance from a home health aid. An assisted living facility may be necessary for a senior who needs regular medical monitoring, or to perform daily tasks. Assisted living facilities often offer private rooms for each resident. Additionally, assisted living services can be less expensive than senior living facilities.
Steps to take to prepare for living with an elderly parent
Moving in with an elderly parent can be difficult. Here are some tips to help you make it smoother. Here are steps to take before moving in. Check on the health of your aging parents and any other medical conditions. Consult a primary care physician to determine what kind of food and medication they should avoid. Consider buying things such as dressing aids, in-bed bathing systems, and anti-slip mats. You may also be eligible through Medicare for financial assistance.
First, make sure that your parent lives on a first-floor location. A stairlift may not be necessary if they are mobile. You may need to create a spare room for your parent if they live on two floors. If your parent does not have a bedroom on the second floor, you can convert a study or den into one. To make it easier for your parent to move, consider installing a ramp or stairlift.
Legal assistance to live with an elderly parent
You can get legal help for your aging parent by contacting an attorney. A lawyer can provide information about Medicaid eligibility and senior living. They also help with creating a trust and living will. A lawyer can help prevent future lawsuits. Attorneys advise siblings to make sure they have all the documentation and roles in place.
Power of Attorney – A power-of-attorney allows a trusted person (or someone else) to make financial or medical decisions on your parent’s behalf. This can make your life easier when your loved one is unable to make these important decisions for themselves. Using this power of attorney can protect the rights of the elderly person and prevent you from becoming confused about legal matters. It is an essential tool that caregivers can use to help their loved ones in time of need.