Living with an elderly parent can be a difficult and costly experience for many families. Here are some tips for preparing for the transition. Read on to learn about the costs of living with an elderly parent, steps to take before moving in, and legal assistance when living with your parent. A home health care agency can be an invaluable resource in providing quality care to your parent. A home health care agency can help you with administrative tasks as well as financial management.
Costs of living for an elderly parent
Apart from caring for an aging parent's needs, the caregiver may also be affected by income loss, benefits, and personal expenses. The caregiver may need to pay for minor home modifications and travel to medical appointments. According to American AARP, the average caregiver spends $3,888 per year caring for an elderly parent. Some facilities may charge extra for pets, require a one-month deposit and may need additional supplies. The following are costs associated with living with an aging parent.
Assistive living costs can vary depending on the amount of care required by an elderly parent. For example, a senior parent who only needs occasional assistance from a home health aide might only require some light assistance. A senior with a need for regular medical monitoring and daily tasks might require a full-fledged assisted housing facility. Many assisted living facilities offer private rooms to each resident. Also, assisted living may cost less than senior living.
Steps to follow to be able to live with an old parent
You may wonder how to make it easier if you're moving in with an aging parent. These are the steps to take before you move. You should make sure you check on your elderly parent's health. Consult a primary care physician to determine what kind of food and medication they should avoid. Look into buying items like anti-slip and in-bed bathtub systems. You may also qualify for financial assistance programs through Medicare or an aging community.
First, make sure that your parent lives on a first-floor location. You may not need to install the stairlift if your parent is 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. Consider installing a stairlift to ease the burden of moving your parent if stairs are a problem.
Legal assistance for living with an elderly parent
There are many types of legal help available for those who live with an elderly parent. These include professional representation and free home visits. A lawyer can provide information about Medicaid eligibility and senior living. They also help with creating a trust and living will. Using an attorney to help with legal matters may prevent lawsuits in the future. 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 will make it easier for you to take care of your loved one when they are unable to do so. This power-of-attorney can help protect the rights and prevent you becoming confused about legal matters. It is an essential tool for caregivers, and can help ease their minds in times of need.