Steps
1
Step One
Help your parents map out their future if they haven't already considered it. List options for varying levels of care that range from independent living arrangements to assisted living to nursing homes. Talk about where they'd prefer to live once they can no longer live alone.
2
Step Two
Stay on top of the details. Create folders with your parents' pertinent medical, financial and legal information and contacts. See 289 Organize Medical Records.
3
Step Three
Meet with your parents and their financial adviser. If they don't have one, hire one. Do they have adequate insurance and income to cover their future needs?
4
Step Four
Review their trusts and/or wills with their lawyer. Are they current? Are they adequate? (See 244 Make a Will.) Ask your parents to sign durable powers of attorney (for health and finances) if they haven't already. This will allow you or someone else in the family to make life-and-death decisions for them if they become incapacitated. See 245 Execute a Power of Attorney.
5
Step Five
Keep their environment safe. Install safety bars in the bathrooms and ramps and handrails around the house if needed.
6
Step Six
Determine whether your parents need any help with bills or maintaining the house. Make regular checks of their accounts to make sure things are in order.
7
Step Seven
Look into services available for the elderly, ranging from Meals on Wheels to bus services, even medication reminder services.