Don’t Wait Until a Crisis

With an aging population in the US, we are often faced with the realities of aging and the decisions that must be made to ensure both the comfort and safety of the people we love.

This situation can be daunting—especially if you’re unprepared. If a relatively independent parent, spouse, or other loved one suddenly is diagnosed with an illness, or takes an unexpected fall, you not only have to deal with the emotional upheaval, but with the practical, day to day routine that has dramatically changed.

The level of care needs to be carefully weighed to match your needs. Does your loved one require a live-in facility that offers complete care? Are they able to remain at home— require skilled nursing—or a Home Health Caregiver who can provide non-medical assistance such as with meals, driving, or simply needs companionship?

Finances often dictate the decisions that are made. Nursing home costs can be prohibitive, and studies show that most people prefer to remain in their own home when possible. It is important to find a financially viable solution that doesn’t add stress to an already stressful situation.

Don’t wait until you’re in crisis mode. Start doing your homework before you have an immediate need. Talk to friends and other family members, get recommendations from your church, synagogue, community organizations—peruse web sites, and interview prospective facilities or staffing services.

Knowing that there are options available, trusted resources to step in and alleviate the pressure, offer experience and solutions­—goes a long way toward peace of mind.