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Implementing the plan with your Aging Parent (Part 4)

October 18, 2019

Now that you’ve had an initial (or more!) conversation with important people, and looked into different
resources, it is time to make a plan.

Plan that the first plan you make will need to be changed.  Know you need to be flexible and modify the plan as new information comes in and circumstances change.  This first plan might be a six month plan, or maybe a 2 year plan.  But it probably won’t be a final plan.  While it may be overwhelming to think you’ll need to do this again in just a few months, know that in a few months you will have more information, more resources, and more experience.  Those three things will make the next plan easier.

Think and discuss with the people involved what the major issues are that need to be addressed.  Is accessibility an issue?  Do people need to move?  Is more care required?  Should a home health nurse/aid be hired? Have others been in communication with your parent’s doctors and care team?  Can they offer resources or additional information?

While you may not be able to address all concerns with the first plan, pick the top three concerns and address them now with this first plan.  With future plans additional concerns can be addressed.  Remember this is an on-going process that didn’t start overnight and will not be fixed overnight.

Now that you have transitioned into a caretaker role, make sure you are taking care of yourself as well.  The safety instructions given prior to an airplane taking off tell you to place your own oxygen mask on before helping others.  The idea that ensuring your needs are met before assisting others is important to remember during this challenging time.  Similar resources exist for you too.  Whether it is a support group through your community, religious, or cultural center, or whether it is help navigating assistance programs, there is help for you.

The information in this blog series are intended to provide information only.  No legal advice is being provided or implied via this blog post.  No attorney-client relationship is formed by providing this information.  An attorney-client relationship with Tralle Law, LLC is formed only after a retainer contact is signed by all parties.