“My dad fell and injured himself badly. He wants to go home, and I realize that, but he really can’t live alone. And I can’t be there all day. I have no idea what to do.”
This call for help and support is common. As your parent’s child, you’re worried and scared while also feeling overwhelmed and maybe even guilty. It’s challenging to be a caregiver and even more difficult to make caregiving decisions in a crisis.
How to Find Care for Your Parent
These are the six steps that we advise most children to take when aligning care for their parent.
- Assess functional need. Ask a professional to help you assess your parent's needs, whether that is nursing home care or rehabilitative care. Your doctor or a healthcare professional at a care facility, such as Maine Veterans’ Homes, can provide recommendations.
- Complete a to-do list. Getting organized will help you feel less stressed and overwhelmed. Get the necessary paperwork in order and work your way down the list. Again, do not be afraid to ask professionals for assistance. Part of their job is helping your parent and the family through the transition.
- Check into financing. You will need to know what benefits and financial resources your parent has so the best decision can be made based on need, comfort, and affordability. If your parent is a Veteran, he may be eligible for Veteran benefits for long-term care and other healthcare assistance.
- Evaluate facility capabilities. Create a list of care facilities that meet the needs and affordability of your parent. Begin an initial search online and through social media to get a feel for the environment, expertise, and nursing care services offered.
- Take a virtual tour and speak to staff. Narrow your list down to your top choices and take a virtual tour. Ask if you can talk with the facility’s Activities Director to get a feel for what programs are offered for residents during their free time. It’s also advised that you ask to speak to the nursing director, the lead person in the therapy program, and the head of the dietary department.
- Develop a temporary plan to bridge any gap. Sometimes, after a medical emergency, there is a gap in the timeframe from hospital discharge to moving into a long-term care facility or nursing home. Put a temporary plan in place while you finalize the details and gaps in aligning your parent’s permanent residency and care.
Why Be Proactive in Long-Term Care?
Just like in most any situation, it’s better to be prepared and proactive rather than rushed and reactive.
It may be difficult for your parent to hear they need assistance on a daily basis or even consider moving from their home. However, when health and safety are a concern, you don’t want to wait until an accident or crisis happens.
It is always best to be proactive and start the conversation with your parent early. Broaching the subject of long-term care before it is needed can make a transition smoother and less stressful if the time comes.
When you wait until a traumatic experience comes into play – whether an illness, fall, or stroke – this can force a decision within hours. That can leave little time to evaluate your options in care.
The more time you have, the more opportunity you have to thoroughly compare nursing homes to find the right fit for your parent’s need, comfort, lifestyle, and affordability.
About Maine Veterans’ Homes
Maine Veterans’ Homes is an independent nonprofit organization with six locations throughout Maine, each welcoming our honored Veterans. Whether your loved one is in need of rehabilitative care, therapy services, long-term care, or dementia care, we work with you to provide the exceptional care, compassion, and support you seek. Download our free Eligibility Guide >>>
