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Keep an ongoing log of your loved one's needs and document important information-names, addresses, telephone numbers, etc. Consider organizing it into the following sections: Doctors; Caregivers; Hospitals; Medications; Financial & Legal; Community Resources; Miscellaneous Information. |
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Establish an informal network of neighbors, friends and family members who are willing to check on your loved one periodically. Select trustworthy people, and encourage them to call you if they are concerned that your loved one's health or safety is in any way compromised. Give them your contact information and keep a list of their names, addresses and telephone numbers handy. |
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Stay in close contact with your loved one yourself via phone or e-mail. Agree to contact one another each day at a specified time. If you don't hear from your loved one and can't get in touch with her/him yourself, alert a neighbor or the police department so they can check on your loved one for you. |
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Ask your loved one pointed questions about her/his health, needs, worries, etc. Make sure your loved one doesn't hide the truth to prevent you from worrying or embellish stories to get you to come visit. (This is where an informal network of friends and neighbors can really help.) |
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Consider traveling occasionally to assess your loved one's physical and mental health. If you want to investigate care options while you're visiting (home health care agencies, housing options, etc.), set up appointments well in advance. It may also be wise to make dental and doctor appointments for your loved one so you can attend with her/him personally. |
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Think about hiring a Professional Geriatric Care Manager (PGCM) if you notice signs that your loved one is beginning to need help with daily tasks or has had a significant change in health. A PGCM can assess an individual's situation, prepare a personalized care plan, and provide supervision and monitoring services as necessary. |
LifeCare's Fast Facts is an ongoing series of documents created for reporters who write about aging, adult caregiving and other challenges of mid-life. Reporters may reprint the information presented here in whole or in part, with attribution to LifeCare, Inc. If you would like more information about a particular topic or wish to speak to one of LifeCare's Successful AgingSM experts, please contact Michael Civiello, manager -- marketing and media relations, at 203-291-4170 or pr1[at]lifecare.com.
About LifeCare®, Inc.For 23 years, LifeCare has provided people with specialty care services and customized care plans for all aspects of their personal and professional lives, including elder care and healthy aging, child care and parenting, financial and legal matters, and more. LifeCare's Successful AgingSM Services help individuals resolve the full spectrum of mid-life and aging issues, including adult caregiving, cognitive health issues, legal and financial matters, and pre- and post retirement.