Essential Healthcare Planning for Aging Parents

As our parents age, it’s important to start thinking about their healthcare needs and planning for their future. Proactively planning their healthcare becomes paramount, securing their well-being and providing peace of mind for the journey ahead.

A Guide to Healthcare Planning for Aging Parents

These are some essential healthcare planning methods to consider:

Healthcare Proxy

A healthcare proxy is a legal document that designates a person to make healthcare decisions on behalf of someone else in the event that they become unable to make those decisions themselves. This can be particularly useful for aging parents who may face serious medical issues or who are at risk of losing cognitive function.

When choosing a healthcare proxy, it’s important to consider someone who is trustworthy, responsible, and has a good understanding of your parents’ wishes and beliefs about medical care. This person should also be willing to take on the responsibility of making decisions on behalf of your parents if the need arises.

Living Will

A living will is a document that outlines a person’s wishes for medical treatment and end-of-life care in case they can’t communicate those decisions themselves. It can include instructions about the use of life support, pain management, and other medical treatments. It may also outline specific wishes regarding end-of-life care, such as the desire for hospice care or the decision to withhold life-sustaining treatment.

Long-term Care Insurance

Long-term care insurance is a type of insurance that provides coverage for the costs associated with long-term care, such as nursing home care or home health aides. For aging parents who may require long-term care in the future, this may be worth looking into.

When considering long-term care insurance, it’s important to evaluate different policies and providers to find the one that best meets your parents’ needs and budget. Factors to consider include the level of coverage provided, the cost of premiums, and any limitations or exclusions on coverage.

Medicaid Planning

Medicaid is a government program that provides healthcare coverage for people with low incomes. Medicaid planning involves taking steps to ensure that aging parents can qualify for Medicaid coverage if they need it in the future.

This may involve transferring assets to family members or setting up a trust to protect assets while still qualifying for Medicaid coverage. It’s important to work with a qualified attorney or financial planner to ensure this is done correctly.

Geriatric Care Management

Geriatric care management involves working with a professional to assess an aging parent’s healthcare needs and develop a plan to meet those needs. This may include coordinating medical care, arranging for home health aides or other services, and providing support and guidance to family members.

Geriatric care management is particularly useful for families who live far away from their aging parents or who are unable to provide care themselves. A geriatric care manager helps aging parents receive the care they need while also providing peace of mind to family members.

By considering these options and working with qualified professionals, you can help ensure that your parents receive the care and support they need in the years ahead.

South Coast Post Acute is Southern California’s Premier Post-Acute Partner

Better health and healing are possible with the right professional oversight. At South Coast Post Acute, we deliver specialized skilled nursing services to restore health, regain autonomy and reduce the occurrences of rehospitalization.

South Coast Post Acute is here for you, at any age. Our innovative care, experienced staff, and welcoming accommodations combine to bring you the high level of care you’ve come to expect from Southern California’s leading post-acute provider.