Make Sure You’re an Active Part of Your Dad’s Elder Care Plan
As your dad ages at home, he needs to be supported by his family. Sometimes, the help he needs reaches beyond the amount of time you have. Your dad lives too far away to help him. Distance or lack of time doesn’t mean you have to sit back and let others make the decisions.
Even if you’re on the other side of the world, you can still be an active part of your dad’s care plan. Here are the things you need to do.
Make Sure You Can Talk About Your Dad’s Medical Care
If your dad has not added your name to HIPAA permissions, make sure he does. Without permission, your dad’s doctor cannot talk to you about his lab work, prescriptions, or exam results.
You should also ask your dad to consider naming you as his power of attorney agent. This enables you to follow your dad’s instructions and make medical decisions for him if he cannot speak for himself. A POA document is something to arrange with the help of an elder law attorney.
Stop by When You Can
When you can visit your dad, you can use those visits to see how things are going. Pay attention to how cluttered his home is. If it’s clean and organized, you know he’s doing okay there. Check his cupboards, refrigerator, and freezer and make sure he has healthy food options.
While you’re there, look for signs of depression and loneliness. Ask him what he does during the day. See that he has clean clothes and that his laundry hasn’t piled up. If you notice any possible issues, you’ll know that’s where he needs help.
If you live too far away to stop in, you can check on some of these things during a video chat. Look at the area behind him to look at clutter. Ask him to let you know what he needs and see what you can help him with.
Things like online grocery deliveries and prescription deliveries may be available if he’s close to a store or pharmacy. You may need to get other family members and family friends to stop in to check on him from time to time and help him with errands.
Work With an Elder Care Agency
Work with an elder care agency to make sure your dad’s care needs are covered. Professional caregivers can stop by and cook his meals, keep his home clean and organized, and help him with personal care and grooming.
Hire elder care aides to take your dad shopping, escort him to medical appointments, and run errands for him. Call an agency, discuss pricing, and schedule services that meet your dad’s needs.
If you or an aging loved one is considering elder care in East Brunswick, NJ, please contact the caring staff at Care Street Home Care today. Call (732) 607-8870.
The Care Street mission is straightforward and compelling: to provide a comprehensive range of the highest quality home health services in a professional and efficient manner that will enhance our clients' quality of life and empower families to keep their loved one at home.
Care Street has earned a reputation of excellence among hundreds of families, and is recommended by medical professionals and hospital discharge planners throughout the State.
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