Assess the Situation: Determine the urgency of the situation to decide the speed and extent of decision-making and family collaboration needed. Ensure legal authority for decision-making is clear.
Establish Care Needs: Engage your parent in a non-confrontational conversation about their needs. List all tasks and prioritize them, distinguishing between immediate needs and those that can wait. Consider handling some tasks remotely.
Safety First: Prioritize safety in all decisions, even if it means being more assertive or going against your parent's wishes.
Prioritize Independence: Involve your parent in decisions, focusing on maintaining their independence. Balancing safety with independence is key to respecting their dignity.
Match Needs with Resources: Align the identified needs with family resources. This could involve enlisting family members for tasks like grocery shopping or exploring veteran's benefits for financial assistance.
Decide on Care Providers: If gaps exist in your plan, identify reliable family, friends, or volunteers for consistent care. Be realistic about what each person can contribute.
Enlist Elder Care Professionals: For more complex needs, consider professional in-home care or assisted living options. Utilize doctors, social workers, and elder care advisors to guide you in choosing the right level of care.
Revisit Care Decisions: Regularly review and adjust your care plan as your loved one's needs or resources change.