WHAT'S NEW!
Currently, we are hosting monthly Resident Teas at all of our Buildings. This will give the residents a chance for open discussion with our Executive Director. There are posters advertising when/where the meetings will be held. Keep your eyes open for them!
We are also trying to schedule information sessions for our residents and their family members throughout 2010. Some of these sessions may include Personal Directive, Adult Guardian & Trustee Act, and other informative tools to help aging parents and family members. Keep your eyes open....
ORGANIZING YOUR AGING PARENTS
1. LEGAL: In addition to a standard will, it is also beneficial to have a power of attorney, this allows you to make financial decisions on behalf of your parents. Additionally, each parent needs to have a Personal Directive, also known as a living will that spells out their individual wishes for medical care.
2. MEDICAL: Everyone should have a family history, but in addition to that information, keep a detailed list of all the medications your parent is taking. As well as the reason and the drug's name, be sure to include the dosage amounts. Additionally, keep a list of the doctor's names and contact numbers, since many elderly patients are under the care of several doctors and specialists at once.
3. INSURANCE: In addition to your parent's Alberta Health Care number, be sure to keep any information on supplemental or secondary insurance, as well as long term health coverage, if they have it.
4. FINANCES: It's always advisable to discuss finances with your parents to learn more about their situation. Will they require financial assistance from you or will you need to know how they want their estate distributed? While a will can tell you how the estate will be divided, if you have a record of all of their accounts and policies, account numbers and contact information, it can save you a lot of time and frustration later. Government benefits, both federal and provincial, may be available to seniors. Visit these websites to make sure they are getting all the benefits they deserve;
5. COORDINATE CARE: Will your parents live at home, require live-in assistance or opt for assisted living? Either way, aging parents require a lot of help. Whether it's picking up their groceries or taking them to doctor's appointments, their needs can be overwhelming for one person alone. Create a spreadsheet with various tasks and divide the work among various family members or friends.
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