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Resources and Community Support for an Aging Parent (part 3)

October 2, 2019

As discussed in the realization and conversation sections, resources and community support are key, when meeting the needs of an aging parent.  Below is a list and a starting point.  However, once you meet with one professional, it may lead you to others you didn’t know about or initially consider!

1. Legal.  Ask parents about a Power of Attorney and Health Care Directive.  If they already have those documents, review them to see if they need to be updated.  If they do not have those documents, now can be the time to have those documents and maybe a Will or Trust as well.

2. Medical.  Contact your parent’s primary care provider and see if you can schedule an appointment with the doctor (or other medical professional), you, and your parent.  This can be a good way to make sure all are on the same page medically.  The doctor can provide education and other resources.  The child and doctor can create a relationship for future conversations.

3. Long Term Care Insurance.  This can be an important tool to try to avoid a complete spend-down of any of their assets.  Meeting with a financial planner, insurance provider, or even an attorney who works with elder law/medical assistance issues can work with you and your parent to look into options.

4. Real Estate Agent.  Is now the time to sell the family home?  Does the home have a layout that is conducive to easy mobility?  Is it near medical clinics or family/friends?  Is the liquid cash from a sale needed to pay for immediate care?

5. Religious, community, and county services.  There are many services provided in different forms at different levels through different religious and community groups.  There are also different county services (not just financial!) that can be helpful.  But if your aging parent is hesitant to use any county (government) services, sometimes finding resources through a senior community group or your religious community can be a good first step.

6. ALZ.org.  Even if Alzheimer’s is not a concern in your situation, the Alzheimer’s association has an excellent website with different resources, information, and offers a community of support.

The information in this blog series are intended to provide information only.  No legal advice is being provided or implied via this blog post.  No attorney-client relationship is formed by providing this information.  An attorney-client relationship with Tralle Law, LLC is formed only after a retainer contact is signed by all parties.