The Aging Parents Checklist
News you can use | May 31, 2024
Although caring for an aging parent often means taking on financial, legal, and other responsibilities, it can also be a time to reflect on happy memories and plan for a future that includes more joyful moments. The aging parent checklist below can help you ensure you’ve got all the bases covered when it comes to life planning and the next steps for your aging loved ones.
Communication
- Have the conversation early so you have time to make or change plans based on your parents’ needs
- Create a comfortable and open environment for the conversation
- Take notes so you remember what was discussed and keep track of your next steps
- Keep a list of all their passwords for accounts such as computer, email, phone, and cable.
Health and Medical Care
- Designate a healthcare proxy who can speak with your loved ones’ doctors and make decisions
- Keep an up-to-date list of all their medications, including over-the-counter, supplements, and vitamins
- Keep a list of their doctors and specialists, including their contact information
- Ensure they are taking medications as prescribed
- Make a note of the closest urgent care facility and hospital
- Get to know their primary care physicians
- Help schedule upcoming appointments
- Encourage your parent to write a living will and keep a copy on file
Ensure Safe Living Arrangements
- Evaluate the safety of their home and make modifications if necessary
- Review any mortgage or financial concerns about the home
- Check in regularly, either in person, or by phone or video chat
- Consider buying long-term care insurance
- Develop an emergency plan and list of emergency contacts in case of a natural disaster or other emergency
Create a Caregiving Plan
- Have a caregiving plan ready in case your loved ones need in-home care
- Discuss changes to your parents’ healthcare needs with their doctors
- Research different caregiving options
- Find out if your loved ones have any specific needs to maintain their health and happiness
Social and Support Network
- Encourage your parents to stay socially engaged and participate in activities that bring them joy
- Check if your parents have a support network in their local community
- Keep the name and number of a neighbor who can regularly check on your loved ones
- Create a schedule of friends and family who call or regularly video chat
- Ensure your parents have access to reliable transportation when needed, especially if they don’t drive
Review Finances
- Find out what financial accounts are open and where they are held
- Make a list of advisors’ contact information
- Ensure they are making informed decisions about retirement, investments, and insurance
- Stay up to date on Social Security benefits
- Check that beneficiary designations are current
- Make sure your loved ones have a POA representative
- Streamline bill paying by setting up automatic payments
- Ensure they know how to avoid scams
Gather Legal Documents
- Discuss important documents and where they are stored
- Find out if your parents have a will and living will, and where they are located
- Make sure their POA for finances and healthcare proxies are in order
- Read through their estate plan/will to make sure beneficiaries and responsibilities are correct and up to date
Review Insurance Plans
- Make a list of active insurance policies such as auto, home, health, long-term care, etc.
- Review homeowners, auto, and life insurance policies to ensure they are adequate and up to date
- Review health insurance coverage regularly for any policy changes that need to be made as needs change
Comfort Keepers® Can Help
This checklist gives seniors and their families a way to confidently and purposefully navigate the next few years. We offer resources with helpful information and insights that help you care for your loved ones so they can experience all that life has to offer. And if they need in-home care, we can provide compassionate care that focuses on connection and purpose and experiencing more joy every day. To learn more, contact us today.
Sources of information: https://nesbittburns.bmo.com/delegate/services/file/68119/content