5 Tips for Establishing a Care Plan for Your Aging Loved One

A senior care plan lets you, your aging parent, and any other caregivers know exactly what to expect while the plan is in place. The plan should be flexible enough to alter as your loved one’s health changes, and it should also include specific details so everyone knows what to do. You can make sure your loved one’s care plan covers all of his or her needs by taking your time to work through each step of the planning process.

1. Assess Your Parent’s Current Living Situation

By the time your parent needs a care plan, he or she likely has been facing a few challenges at home already. If possible, spend a day or two with your loved one in his or her living environment to see how he or she gets around. If your loved one is recovering at home after being hospitalized, you might need to ask about how his or her daily routine has changed. You might also be able to see areas of your loved one’s home that need improvement. For instance, seniors who have lost mobility may need changes made to their homes to help them manage areas with stairs.

2. Research Your Loved One’s Health Conditions

Your loved one’s care plan should reflect any current health treatment plans, and knowing about your loved one’s health conditions helps you make important decisions. For example, most seniors with chronic health issues can still age in place provided they have someone who can help them out at home. A senior with memory loss might need to use alarms and calendars to keep up with medications and appointments. Someone with an upcoming knee surgery might need transportation assistance. Using your loved one’s health conditions as a guide gives you a springboard for important discussions.

Every senior has different needs when aging in place. Some simply need occasional assistance with household chores, while others may be managing serious illnesses and require more extensive live-in care. Dallas seniors can count on Home Care Assistance to provide the in-home care they need and deserve. 

3. Discuss Current & Potential Future Needs

A care plan shouldn’t be permanent, and it should provide an easy way to make changes in the future. Once you have an idea of what your loved one needs right now, you might want to add a few suggestions for helping in the future. For example, you might choose a home caregiver who can offer services that progress toward more intensive forms of care. Starting out with a lunch companion lets your loved one get used to having someone around, and knowing the same caregiver can also assist with personal hygiene or memory care later gives the plan added longevity.

Seniors can face a variety of challenges as they age, many of which can be mitigated with the help of professional in-home caregivers who provide high-quality senior care. Dallas, TX families trust Home Care Assistance to help their elderly loved ones age in place safely and comfortably.

4. Seek Your Parent’s Input

The right care plan is one your parent feels comfortable with. Your parent might also be the best person to determine his or her own needs. Make sure your loved one is actively involved in the planning to the fullest extent possible. You’ll feel better when you know the plan has your parent’s approval, and he or she will be more likely to let you know when something needs to change.

5. Review the Plan after a Trial Period

The final step in creating the right plan is to try it out. As you do, monitor your loved one’s wellbeing carefully to make sure each element is working as planned. If you notice something needs to be changed, take action right away. Being proactive is the best way to ensure your loved one’s care plan continues to work. 

One of the most challenging tasks of helping an elderly relative age in place safely and comfortably is researching agencies that provide elderly care. Dallas families can turn to Home Care Assistance for reliable, high-quality in-home care for aging adults. We offer 24-hour live-in care for seniors who require extensive assistance, and we also offer respite care for family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties. Reach out to one of our Care Managers today at [hca_phone] to schedule a free in-home consultation.