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- 1). Sit down with your parent and have a frank conversation about medical conditions and living arrangements. It is best to have this conversation prior to signs of dementia; your parent will be in a better frame of mind to make important medical decisions while they are still in good health.
- 2). Discuss the signs and symptoms of dementia with your parent. Come to an agreement about the appropriate time for you to begin making decisions. Some people have a difficult time coming to terms with moving out of their home; others prefer to move to an assisted living center well before becoming ill.
- 3). Locate health insurance policies and review them with your parent. Call your parent's insurance company and speak to a representative to get a clear idea of the available benefits for live-in facilities and hospices.
- 4). Review financial information and life insurance policies with your parent and come up with a plan for paying expenses that insurance does not cover.
- 5). Discuss your parent's wishes for assisted living and end of life care. This will make tough decisions easier when communication is not possible.
- 6). Visit several assisted living centers and find one that your parent feels is acceptable. Some senior citizens have a fear of being placed in an assisted living center, mostly because they don't know what to expect. Often, once they see the available recreational opportunities and socialization they become more accepting of the idea to move before they are ill.
- 7). Draw up a durable power of attorney. This enables you to make legal and financial decisions for your parent when he or she cannot. The power of attorney does not go into effect until your parent is unable to communicate his or her wishes.
- 8). Draw up a medical directive with your parent. This document outlines your parent's wishes if he or she is diagnosed or suffering from a serious accident or illness.
- 9). Collaborate with your parent's doctor so that he or she can be an advocate when needed.
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