Making long-term plans for a senior family member with Parkinson’s is one of the most important things you can do. There are several vital factors that must be considered as part of this process. As mobility and other basic functions start to worsen, your loved one will need to grant power of attorney to a trusted family member for the management of finances and a living trust. It will also be necessary to have an agent in charge of medical care.
Different Options in Long-Term Care
Long-term care can mean many things. Some aging adults will enter nursing homes when their needs become too great for their family members to continue meeting them on their own. Others will opt to age in place with the assistance of dedicated family members who rely either partially or fully on professional in-home caregivers.
The decision to age in place can be supplemented with a number of helpful community services and resources, such as meal delivery systems, routine visits from social services, and more. Ultimately, families must consider their resources and their willingness and ability to commit to long-term care programs as sole or primary caregivers.
Many seniors in the early stages of Parkinson’s are able to live on their own, but they may need a bit of help with the everyday tasks of life, such as exercising and preparing nutritious meals. Aging adults who require assistance with the tasks of daily living can benefit from reliable senior home care. Families trust Assisting Hands Home Care to provide the high-quality care their elderly loved ones need and deserve. Our caregivers are trained to help seniors prevent serious illnesses and encourage them to make healthier decisions as they age.
The Costs of Long-Term Care
One of the most significant factors to consider when planning for long-term care is the costs of living in a facility and of getting outside support from secondary caretakers while aging in place. Seniors should carefully review their finances, learn which programs and services are covered by government or private healthcare plans, and make careful comparisons between their options. Seniors living with Parkinson’s should have help from family members during this process who can both advocate for their rights and assist with screening providers and facilities.
Living with serious health conditions can make it challenging for seniors to age in place. However, they can maintain a higher quality of life with the help of professional live-in care. Reston seniors can benefit from assistance with meal prep, bathing, transportation to the doctor’s office, medication reminders, and much more.
The Benefits of Aging in Place
Aging in place as a long-term plan can be one of the most beneficial options for seniors who have adequate support from loved ones. In-home care also enables seniors to continue living in familiar environments and to face the challenges of Parkinson’s disease with the help and support of highly trained and professional caregivers. And because care is provided on a one-on-one basis, as opposed to one caregiver for multiple seniors, families can rest assured their loved ones are receiving the exact level of care needed as Parkinson’s progresses.
Caring for a loved one with Parkinson’s can be extremely challenging, and a compassionate professional caregiver can be a wonderful source of support. If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, medication reminders, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of home care Reston families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s. Reach out to one of our Care Specialists today to schedule a free in-home consultation.