Managing Elderly Parents and Their Medical Needs/Appointments, pt 2

Managing an elderly parent, or senior, and their medical needs requires organization, preparation and a lot of compassion. Below, we continue with some reminders and tips to help make this process easier.

— Build a Support Network: Establish communication with health care providers. Develop relationships with your elder’s health care team. They’ll want to know your elderly parent‘s designated power of attorney – for health care decisions – if that is not you. Discuss the best ways to communicate, whether via phone, email or patient portals.

Seek support groups. Connect with local or online caregiver support groups. Sharing experiences and advice with others in similar situations can be invaluable.

— Take Care of Yourself: Recognize the signs of caregiver burnout. Caregiving can be physically and emotionally draining. Be aware of burnout signs like fatigue, stress and irritability, and seek help if needed. Schedule regular breaks. Ensure you have regular breaks. Enlist the help of other family members, friends or professional caregivers to provide respite.

— Be Prepared for Emergencies: Have an emergency plan. Create a plan for medical emergencies. This includes knowing the location of the nearest hospital, having a list of emergency contacts, and understanding any specific medical needs your senior one may have. Have a written list of any prescriptions. Keep a “go-bag” ready. Prepare a bag with essentials like extra medication, important documents, a change of clothes and basic toiletries.

It takes some planning and preparation. You can ensure their health care is handled efficiently and effectively while taking care of your own well-being. Remember, being a caregiver is a significant role, and seeking help and resources is not just advisable—it’s essential.

JD Miller

About JD Miller

John D. Miller is the founder/owner of Home Care Partners, LLC, a Massachusetts business providing private duty, personalized in-home assistance and companion care services to those needing help in daily activities and household functions. Phone: (781) 378-2164 Email: [email protected] Website: https://homecarepartnersma.com
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