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Three-quarters of older adults want to stay in their home and communities as they get older, according to AARP's December 2024 "Home and Community Preferences Survey."
Family caregiving is a key component to making that wish a reality.
Helping a loved one age in place may mean anything from stopping by a parent's home to check in every few days to assisting a spouse or partner with tasks such as bathing and meal prep, as well as activities including medication management and administering injections. Whatever level of care you provide, these tips can help you help your loved one remain at home for as long, and as comfortably, as possible.
1. Develop a plan
Planning for both the short and long term is important. You need to stay on top of the daily stuff, the doctor appointments and prescription refills while thinking through the what-ifs of your relative's age and condition.
You can't anticipate every scenario, but being forward-thinking now will help you respond more quickly and effectively in an emergency. And don't go it alone. Reach out to form a larger team of family, friends and others who can help you.
Determine tasks and find consensus. Ask team members what they're willing to do to contribute to the individual's care. Even if they live far away, they can handle jobs such as paying bills, ordering prescriptions and scheduling medical appointments. Work with them on a plan.
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Be honest with yourself. What are you prepared to do? If you are uncomfortable with hands-on caregiving tasks, such as helping a family member bathe, ask if another team member can step in, or discuss whether money is available to hire a professional.
Summarize the plan in writing. A written record will ensure that everyone on your team, including your loved one, is on the same page, thus avoiding misunderstandings. Remember, of course, that the plan will likely evolve; update it as time passes.
Make a back-up plan. If you are the primary caregiver, work with your loved one and other family members to create a contingency plan should you be unavailable or ill when caregiving help is required.
Review legal documents. Both you and your loved one can fill out health care surrogate and financial documents so that you are able to pay bills on their behalf and make decisions about their health care should they be unable to.
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