Sometimes people have the
opportunity to prepare in advance for someone's declining health. Other times
people delay putting anything into action because they seem certain that they
have "more time". Even if you think you have adequately prepared yourself to
care for a loved one, the reality of the situation may absolutely overwhelm you
when it happens. All of a sudden there are so many things to consider like the
person's medical history, personality and financial resources. The list
certainly seems endless. Before you become completely overwhelmed with this
responsibility, we have some very important suggestions for you to consider.
Collect your thoughts.
You may think that this is impossible to do, but it is imperative that you learn
how to take care of yourself so you can take care of your loved one. Stop and
learn how to help yourself first. This is the most important advice anyone could
give you.
Keep your loved one's
personal data handy. Before you know it, you will be asked to provide your
loved one's date of birth, social security number, and any other pertinent
numbers. Try to get his/her complete health history, copies of health insurance
policies and health insurance cards, phone numbers of the senior's doctors and
pharmacist, list of medications and instructions and the dates and results of
the senior's last doctor's visit. Keep this information handy and make copies
for other family members. Make sure everyone involved knows where to obtain
specific information like financial and legal documents. If applicable, make
sure your family has keys to his/her house.
Solicit help from rest of
your family. Get as many of your family members involved as soon as
possible. The earlier you get everyone involved, the better off you will be.
Develop a game plan to research your loved one's situation. Perhaps you can even
get different individuals to contact different associations and organizations
for information about your loved one's medical condition.
Research health insurance and
financial matters. The financial aspects of someone's long term care can be
very, very complicated. Do they have a pension, a long-term care policy or a
pension or retirement plan? Does he/she qualify for Medicare or Medicaid? Does
he/she have any assets, stocks and bonds, social security income, etc.? Start
investigating this as soon as possible so you completely understand what you are
dealing with.
Determine your loved one's
needs. Again, learn as much as you can about your loved one's medical
condition and his/her specific lifestyle limitations. Does your loved one just
need an adult day care or would his/her needs be better met with an assisted
living residence? If this situation is only a short-term crisis, start obtaining
information about different local facilities now. The sooner you get started,
the better off you will be.
Communicate with as many
people as possible. Talk to your loved one and encourage him/her to offer as
much input into the various decision-making processes as he/she is capable of
making. It is imperative that they remain as independent as they possible can.
Talk to anyone who has any experience caring for a loved one. Talk to medical
professionals that have experience dealing with your loved one's condition. It
is a very good idea to have a general idea what to expect in the future. Also,
do not forget to take good notes!
We will be pleased to accept your collect call if you are calling for
information about admissions.
- Telephone
- (330) 758-8106
- FAX
- (330) 758-7030
- Postal address
- 830 Boardman Canfield Rd.
- Boardman, Ohio 44512
-
- Admission Coordinator: Pat Ivany (330) 758-8106
-
- Electronic mail
- General Information:
Webmaster:
-
-
SATERI HOME INC.
http://saterihomeinc.com
-
BOARDMAN
MEDICAL SUPPLY
http://boardmanmedicalsupply.com
- SAFETY FIRST SLEEP SOLUTIONS
http://safetyfirstsleepsolutions.com
