I know our local community college offers 1 day classes on how to care for an aging parent.
When we planned on my dad moving in with me I had no inkling of what I was getting myself into. Had I been aware of a class back then I would have taken it. Now I could probably teach it! ;-)
I am thinking of taking a class on financing as I am going to have to take over my parents monies soon, I think. With my own money , well, what you don't have you don't have to worry about but my parents have different accounts and savings and advisors and this and that and I know I am executor of the will and I do not want to be ignorant. This is for the future ( God willing) but I feel I should educate myself now. I actually wish my Dad would tell me all about their finances so I can be equipped but he is not willing to. I don't want to take control I just want to be prepared!!! I feel like I should be going to their financial meetings with their advisor so when the time comes and I do need to take over I know what I am doing. Especially on that when the time comes my emotional state may not be as objective-I may be grieving or stressed and not able to function as well. But how to get Dad to understand this?
Be a wise consumer of services. You are worth it and you owe it to yourself. When exploring alternate housing options, long-term care, personal care, assisted living and adult day services , do not be duped by savvy marketers who are selling their package of goods. DO YOUR HOMEWORK , this is one of the biggest transitional events that may affect you or your loved one. Be sure as an Older Adult, that the individuals administering ,and the clinical staff , have backgrounds in Gerontology , a field of study and expertise which is geared to serving this population. A crash course, or one day seminar does not constitute a real understanding of these specific needs. Check the company out fully. Is this a for-profit corporation who may be more apt to satisfy the financial interest of their shareholders or the consumers they are serving? All services are not reflection of their aesthetics , and a well polished , fancy environment does NOT always assure good care, just perhaps good taste. If you did not have chandeliers and brocade furniture in your home, you may not want or need it now. Does this service have a working knowledge of resident -centered philosophies such as Eden Alternative, Aging in Place, Validation and other consumer friendly techniques, or are they satisfied with the old status quo in care provision. Before any transition is made, spend time at the facility if possible, observe, and ask specific questions. Do your own research. You would not hire a general maintenance person to do your plumbing, or a criminal lawyer to attend to your business needs, why not expect the same from those who will be accommodating your most precious assets, your health and psychosocial well-being.
When we planned on my dad moving in with me I had no inkling of what I was getting myself into. Had I been aware of a class back then I would have taken it. Now I could probably teach it! ;-)
Be sure as an Older Adult, that the individuals administering ,and the clinical staff , have backgrounds in Gerontology , a field of study and expertise which is geared to serving this population. A crash course, or one day seminar does not constitute a real understanding of these specific needs.
Check the company out fully. Is this a for-profit corporation who may be more apt to satisfy the financial interest of their shareholders or the consumers they are serving?
All services are not reflection of their aesthetics , and a well polished , fancy environment does NOT always assure good care, just perhaps good taste. If you did not have chandeliers and brocade furniture in your home, you may not want or need it now.
Does this service have a working knowledge of resident -centered philosophies such as Eden Alternative, Aging in Place, Validation and other consumer friendly techniques, or are they satisfied with the old status quo in care provision.
Before any transition is made, spend time at the facility if possible, observe, and ask specific questions. Do your own research. You would not hire a general maintenance person to do your plumbing, or a criminal lawyer to attend to your business needs, why not expect the same from those who will be accommodating your most precious assets, your health and psychosocial well-being.