Question for those who have dealt with helping care for an aging parent?

[scfr]

For those of you who are currently or have in the past helped care for an aging parent, what are the best free sources of information out there (web sites, books from the library, government brochures, etc.)?

It looks like my mother is entering the stage of her life where she is going to need help indefinitely. We (mother, siblings, and I) need to come up with a plan before it becomes a crisis, and while Mom is still able to provide her input.

I know there are tons of resources out there. In the interest of avoiding information overload, I'd really love to hear your suggestions on which have been the most helpful for you

Thanks so much!

[rduell]

Do you have an Office of (or on) Aging? You can do a Google search to find the one for your state and I'm sure they would know how to advise you.

[fairy74]

Agree with rduell, check into your local agency on aging or something similar, contact your church or Catholic Charities (don't have to be Catholic to use them), check with local schools (SPICE programs), check with hosptials for caregiver support groups and other resources. Check with local meals on wheels or senior nutrition. There are lots of resources out there your local area on agency may even have a guidebook to all resources. Best wishes to you and your familyl

[PRICEPLUS]

I have been pretty lucky so far as Mom and MIL are very healthy for their age group. I guess the DW and I really need to look proactively at the possibility of her health having a catastropic turn. I guess the odds are for that rather than against!

[Hot dog]

Here the dept of Social Services or the Health Dept have different services or can point you to places that do. I think there are services for those that care for parents at home so the state doesn't have to pay for a nursing home. Meals on wheels rides to dr. visits and senior centers shopping, visiting nurses to help out in your home

[scfr]

Thanks for the recommendations everyone!

It's amazing what services are out there once you start looking.

There's an adult community center right in my mom's town that offers all sorts of services such as van transportation, hot lunches (for a nominal suggested donation), trips to the grocery store, classes, movie nights, transportation to doctor's appointments, etc.

I thought the only way you could get those kinds of services was to move to an assisted-living facility, but it's not true.

[Aleta]

It's called the Council of Aging and they can direct you to most everything needed by the elderly.

[beebop25blue25]

Have you looked into Home Healthcare Services?? Both my parents are older and my Dad is the sicker of the two. Home Health comes out and assists with baths, helps fill their med box, etc, etc, a nurse comes out 1-2 times a week and checks them out thourougly and it's all covered by Medicare and there is no out of pocket cost to them. To me, this service is Priceless!!!!