Debra Jager Home Instead Senior Care

My parents are very capable, both mentally and physically at the moment but I know one day that will change. What do I need to do to be ready, what is available to me out there? - Concerned daughter.

Wow, I congratulate you for thinking ahead about the needs of your parents, and which will also help meet your needs later on. Rarely do people plan for this event. More often a crisis precipitates such a call to action.

However, first it is important to start the conversation with your parents. It is their life; do you know how and where they would like to live should one or both their needs change? It is really important to sit down as a family and talk about the various options, their wishes, what you can and can not do to support both your changing needs. Home Instead has a great programme called The 40/70 Rule which gives some helpful ways to start these conversations. Visit our website www.homeinstead.co.nz to download your free copy or phone our office, 07 571 4228.

The important thing is to be aware of what is available to you and your parents. Researching retirement villages, resthomes and hospitals early, finding out what the government has to offer, what the different facilities have to offer and the various costs is very important. Where you can source equipment, various supportive organisations available such as Alzheimers, Grief Support and Medic Alarms. What agencies provide ‘top up' care i.e. home help, companionship or even full-time live in care in your own home.

So I recommend you start with initiating a few conversations. Go on a few drives to find out what is available, look on the internet and start the research process together, making sure to incorporate lots of fun on this journey, which can be very sensitive. I wish you well. Should you need any additional information please do not hesitate to phone our office.