Your mom’s death was unexpected. Since then, it’s been an adjustment for everyone in the family. You’ve had to help your dad pay the bills, cook meals, and take care of home upkeep. He’s needed rides and regular visits to ease loneliness.
Have you done enough? One thing you know is that it’s important to have your dad’s future planned. Here are three things you shouldn’t forget to take care of as early as possible.
Who Will Handle Financial and Medical Decisions if He Can’t?
As Benjamin Franklin once said, “…nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” There are no guarantees in life. Your dad may be as healthy as they come. He’s just returned from his yearly appointment. His doctor says he has excellent heart and lung sounds. His blood pressure is perfect. His cholesterol levels are great. A month later, he has a stroke.
You never know when some medical issues may hit. Being prepared for these unexpected situations reduces stress at an already stressful time. Your dad should have powers of attorney in place for both financial and medical decisions. He also needs a medical directive to help guide any decisions that are made for him.
Where Will He Live?
Does your dad want to stay in his home? He may not want to live in the home where he spent so many years with your mom. He may want a new home that has fewer reminders. He may ask to get a roommate to help split housing expenses.
He may decide that now is the perfect time to downsize from a four-bedroom home to a home with one or two bedrooms. This is something he should discuss. It gives you time to declutter and plan accordingly.
What Will You Do When He Needs Help With Daily Care?
Even the healthiest senior may start to need help. Your dad was never a great cook. Now that your mom passed away, your dad relies on takeout and freezer meals. You wish he’d eat healthier options, but he says it’s too hard to cook a meal. With home care services covering grocery shopping and meal preparation, you can ensure he eats nutritious meals.
Your dad can’t drive anymore as his reaction times have slowed too much. He needs someone to drive him to stores, senior centers, and medical and dental offices. You work full-time and can’t take him during the week. This poses a problem. If you hired a caregiver to drive him when needed, it would eliminate any scheduling concerns.
Learn more about the many benefits home care offers. From laundry to light housework, caregivers can help seniors age at home.
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring home care in Mauldin, SC, contact Heart of the Carolinas Home Care at 864-991-3116. Providing Home Care Services in Greenville, Simpsonville, Greer, Anderson, Spartanburg, Mauldin, Seneca, Laurens, Charleston, Columbia and the surrounding areas.
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