What to do when your parent needs to move into long-term care

You get a call from the hospital: your father has suffered a stroke. Or your aunt has fallen and broken her hip. Or you can no longer care for your loved one due to the advancement of dementia. What next? As their son or daughter or caregiver, these kind of events often necessitate a change in your senior loved one’s living situation. United Way’s Metro Vancouver Family & Friend Caregivers Information and Resource Handbook by author Katherine Willett is here to help. Her best advice – start early. Don’t wait until a crisis hits to talk to your loved one about future housing options before the need arises. Being prepared will help everyone get through the stress of the transition. A few quick tips she suggests:

• find out about eligibility for financial benefits for example Guaranteed Income Supplement or Veterans Affairs benefits
• talk to your family doctor about future wishes for medical treatment
• make sure you have up-to-date legal documents (the United Way-funded agency Nidus Personal Planning & Resource Centre can help)
• put a plan in place for the household goods and furniture that will not move with the senior
• prepare a budget

The Caregivers Guide provides detailed information about housing options including supportive housing and assisted living. In a story published in The Vancouver Sun, the author provides advice on helping his mother move his father, and her long-time life partner, into long-term care. The author, a Vancouver psychotherapist, provides some advice on emotional supports our parents will need. He suggests being compassionate, patient and sensitive. Most importantly, be present and connected. United Way helps seniors who are still able to live at home by keeping them connected and active. Better at Home provides non-medical supports to seniors while they are still able to live amongst friends, family and neighbours.