For an adult child, watching a parent age can be very difficult. Somehow, we expect that our parents will be forever middle-aged. It can become even more difficult if a parent starts to show signs of physical and/or mental deterioration that often goes along with the natural aging process. If that is where you are with your parent, it may be time to find a caregiver for your parent. If so, the Grand Forks elder law attorneys at German Law offer suggestions to help you pick a caregiver for your parent.
Does Your Parent Need a Caregiver?
Adult children often hesitate to suggest that a parent needs a caregiver for several reasons. Sometimes they don’t want to face the reality that their parent needs a caregiver. Or it may be that adult children fear offending a parent or worry that suggesting a caregiver will take away a parent’s independence. Regardless of the reason, if you are hesitating to acknowledge the need for a caregiver, keep in mind that failing to do so could result in your parent being injured or falling victim to those who prey on the elderly. When possible, discuss the need for a caregiver with other family members and/or with your parent’s physician before deciding. In addition, the following signs often point to the need for help:
Tips for Choosing a Caregiver
If you have decided that a caregiver is warranted for your parent, the next step is to choose one. If family members can provide the necessary care, you may not need to look further; however, if family members cannot act as caregivers, the following tips may be helpful:
- .our parent’s physician may be able to help with this. Does your parent need help with daily tasks of living only, such as cooking or cleaning, a couple of days a week? Or does he/she need more intensive care daily?
- Your parent likely has Medicare; however, that may not be the only option to help cover the cost of a caregiver. Your parent may also qualify for Medicaid, Veterans Aid & Attendance, or other government programs.
- Do a little research to figure out what the prevailing rates are in your area and compare those to any limitations in Medicare, VA&A, and Medicaid benefits to try and determine how much you can afford to pay per week/month.
- There are several reliable online resources that can help you narrow down the available options in your area, such as: Eldercare Locator, Medicare.gov, Caring.com.
- Set aside time to interview companies/organizations that provide in-home caregivers. You need to get a feel for the company and its philosophy/practices, not just the actual caregiver.
- Once you have narrowed down what type of care your parent needs, how much you can afford, and what providers appear to fit your needs, it is time to start interviewing the actual caregiver candidates. Prepare questions ahead of time and don’t be afraid to as difficult questions.
- All too often people do not actually check references. Don’t make that mistake. Moreover, insist on running your own background check instead of relying on one that a company has purportedly run.
- Once you choose a caregiver, make sure you follow up. Pop up unannounced when you know that he/she will be at your parent’s house. Monitor bank accounts, ask for status updates from doctors, and generally provide oversight to ensure that your choice of caregiver was the right choice.
Contact Grand Forks Elder Law Attorneys
Please join us for an upcoming FREE seminar. If you have additional questions or concerns about picking a caregiver for your parent, contact the Grand Forks elder law attorneys at German Law by calling 701-738-0060 to schedule an appointment.
John grew up on a small livestock farm in west central Minnesota. He now lives in Grand Forks with his wife Maggie and their two daughters. In his free time John enjoys reading, taking his family to North Dakota and Minnesota state parks and rooting for all UND and Minnesota professional sports.
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