You can’t always be there. But we can.
Drop Everything and Ask Your Dad These Questions Right Now
Is Your Parent at Risk for Esophageal Cancer?
April 15, 2019
Why is Aging at Home Beneficial for Seniors?
April 29, 2019Drop Everything and Ask Your Dad These Questions Right Now
While everything may seem rosy, putting off discussions about aging is never a smart idea. Your family needs to sit down and talk about the future. If anything happens, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that a care plan is already in mind.
Home Care Pasadena CA – Drop Everything and Ask Your Dad These Questions Right Now
To do this, sit down together for a frank discussion. Be sure you ask your dad these questions.
Do you have a will, POA, and advance directive in place?
Have you done any estate planning?
He should have a will in place. He gets to decide how his assets are split if anything happens. If there is no will and there’s a dispute, it’s up to the courts to decide.
Do you have powers of attorney paperwork in place?
If he can’t make his own medical or financial decisions, does he have someone he trusts to make decisions for him? He needs to have paperwork drawn up with his medical wishes like DNR, feeding tubes, or being hooked to a ventilator. That’s all part of an advance directive.
What Surgeries Have You Had?
If your dad has a medical emergency and cannot answer questions, doctors will ask you. One of the things you need know is if he has had surgeries. If he needs an MRI, you need to know if he has any metal in his body. Has he broken a leg and have pins or metal plates? You also need to know if he has allergies to medications like penicillin.
Will You Let Me Talk to Your Doctor?
It’s helpful if you can talk to the doctor yourself. See if your dad has HIPAA paperwork in place that grants you permission to discuss medical tests, what medications he currently takes, and results of any doctor’s visit. If the paperwork isn’t in place, ask your dad if he would allow you to talk to his doctor. Having this access helps in emergency situations where you’ll need to answer medical questions.
What Are Your Goals for Home Care?
If your dad needs home care now or in the future, what are his plans? He may want you and your siblings helping with meals and home maintenance, but he may balk at having you do his laundry or helping him bathe.
Your dad may be more comfortable hiring professional home care aides for tasks like help with personal care and grooming. He might want a home care aide available during the workday to drive him to stores and appointments. He may want to have a caregiver for companionship while you’re at work. Ask him first and then call our home care agency to discuss pricing.
