Wednesday, February 10, 2021

Your Care Checklist for Older Parents

 

As your parents get older, their care needs will inevitably increase and evolve.

Be prepared for these changes with the following care checklist:

 

Have you discussed their care with them?

Involving them in decisions about their care will take the fear of failure out of their long-term solution and give them a chance to voice their wishes throughout the process. You could try asking them what extra needs they have and what type of care would suit them best.

If you are comfortable, you can ask them about any medical conditions that may affect their care, and even speak to their GP, with their permission, to get more information.

 

Have you considered different types of care?

Depending on your parents’ medical conditions, overall health and fitness, social lives, and commitments, levels and types of care are available to suit all. The two umbrella types are:

·         Independent living – the person remains in suitable housing and receives visits from care or nursing staff.

·         Assisted living – the individual lives in a residential facility that offers 24-hour care.

The type of care suitable will be dependant on many factors and will change with time. Whichever option is most suitable, a comprehensive and tailor-made care plan will be created by the team and shared with staff to maximise the quality of care.

 

Does the care I have chosen restrict my parents?

Much like buying a new home, all wishes cannot be met, however, considering what will be lost with the introduction of care is useful in weighing up the advantages and disadvantages.

Your parents may be looking forward to being in a new community where they can regularly interact with others, or if they have a strong social life within their home community, may fear the loss of established relationships.

 

Does the care I have chosen meet all of my parents’ needs?

As mentioned above, sometimes it can prove unrealistic to try to meet every need, especially if the location is an important factor. However, when visiting residential homes and enquiring with home-care providers, be sure to ask the following questions and note down the answers:

·         What is included in the fee? What will cost extra?

·         How, and by whom, are your meals prepared?

·         How often do residents get the chance to go outdoors? - And offsite?

·         When can I visit my parents?

·         How do you adapt to the changing needs of a resident?

·         Can I view a recent activity schedule?

·         What will be in their room?

·         Will my parents have access to the internet?

 

A local solution…

Located in Buckinghamshire is Cliveden Manor, a luxury care home in ascot. Which offers views of the Thames valley, rooms with elevated patio areas, an elegant salon, outstanding dining experiences, open-plan design and pools of natural light, all coated in contemporary, modern design.

A resident’s relative reviewed Cliveden Manor as “not hushed, tucked away and smelling of cabbage, but full of life, visitors and flowers”.

 

In conclusion

Communication is key when it comes to care! Talk to your loved ones about their preferences and listen to their concerns. Check that you have chosen the right care for your parents with this comprehensive checklist.

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