5 Common Mistakes People With Elderly Parents Make

1. Avoiding the discussion of alternative living arrangements for your parents. It is critical to be proactive about this! If you start this process early on, it will be a lot easier and much less confrontational. When you start these discussions about options and choices early on, you are able to be much more relaxed and calm about it. Waiting until after Mom has fallen and broken her hip, there is no time to be relaxed or low key. At that point emotions are running high and you are under the gun to find a solution for Mom's care quickly.
2. Not having a clear picture of your parents' financial situation. Do you know if your parents have a long term care insurance policy? If they have one, make sure you know where to find it and that it can be easily accessed.

It's also a good idea to take the time to read through the policy so you have at least a basic understanding of what it and isn't covered.

If they do not have insurance, what other financial resources do they have? Perhaps it would make sense for you and your parents to talk with a lawyer about Medicaid eligibility and spend down rules.

Also, if you have a parent who is a Veteran, it's possible they're eligible to receive coverage for some services.
3.

Immediately thinking that a nursing home is the only option when one, or both, of your parents' health starts failing. There are no shortage of options around these days.

If your parent is resolute about staying in their own home, it is very possible to arrange for care there.

It's also pretty easy to get creative and combine several types of care. For example, a family can arrange for Mom to go to an adult day care center a few days per week and then have a caregiver fill in the other days as well as overnight, if necessary.

You and other family members can then supplement other times as needed.

There are endless possibilities when it comes to customizing a plan for you and your loved ones.
4. Waiting until the last minute to get help. Nothing is more stressful than trying to formulate a plan of care knowing your Mom is coming home tomorrow from the hospital.

There is no way to make good, rational decisions that quickly and under that much duress.

You will feel overwhelmed.

You'll want to do your research as early as possible.

Identify some facilities or agencies and contact them. See which ones you get a good vibe from and build a relationship with them. Arrange for you and/or your parent(s) to visit or have someone come to the home for an assessment. By starting the process sooner rather than later, you can call on people who are familiar with your situation if an emergency occurs.
5. Only taking cost into consideration when selecting care providersThis can go both ways.

There are very expensive nursing home facilities that have very poor track records of care. Don't be swayed by fancy brochures, videos or tours. Try and talk to some of the actual residents and their loved ones. When it comes to in-home care, the lowest hourly rate may not be your best option. Keep in mind that good, quality caregivers require a higher salary.

The good home care agencies simply can't offer the lowest rates yet provide the best senior caregivers. And be sure that you meet, and approve of, any caregiver BEFORE they start providing care for your loved one.
Theanna Zika started Saint Louis senior home care company, Heavenly Helpers, in 200
4. She shares tips, strategies and advice about caring for seniors that she has learned over the years on the blog at her company's website.

The site also features a helpful list of Saint Louis senior resources for seniors and their families in the Saint Louis Metro area.

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