The prospect of becoming frail and dependent on others in the distant future is not a pleasant one. Few individuals enjoy contemplating their circumstances twenty or thirty years from now. Nevertheless, it is extremely important to plan and organize for this stage in advance, as it ensures a higher quality of life both for ourselves and for those around us, who are generally our closest family members. The main benefit will be the peace and serenity that everyone will enjoy when the more challenging moments arrive.
Choosing the Type of Assistance: At Home or in a Care Home?
Given that immediate relatives are often occupied with their own activities and work, it is likely that external support will be required upon reaching a more vulnerable stage. While assistance may never be necessary, it is wise to prepare for this potential scenario.
The key decision is what type of assistance you would want in the future — whether to remain at home with a caregiver or to move into a care home. This choice must consider financial factors and the number of available rooms in your home.
To accommodate a full-time caregiver, there must be a spare room with a bed available. Ideally, the house should have at least two bedrooms. It is also recommended that the room where the caregiver will stay is in good condition — with a comfortable bed, space for personal belongings, and other essentials — to ensure they feel welcome and stay motivated while working.
If a care home is your preferred option, it is advisable to research facilities in advance that meet your needs and preferences. Factors to consider include:
• monthly cost
• location (to make it easier for friends and family to visit)
• available activities and services
Prepare in advance for the practical aspects of everyday life
In addition to these more critical matters, we recommend that attention be given in advance to the following aspects:
1. Organize your asset documentation. Ensure that it is in your possession, in your name, and inform family members or friends who will provide support where these documents are kept.
2. Manage your finances, ensuring you will be comfortable financially when you are in a more vulnerable state.
3. If you choose to make a will, it should be done as early as possible.
4. Ensure that, in the event of sudden incapacity, a family member or friend is able to provide the necessary support in all areas — both routine tasks (such as taking and collecting laundry from the hospital) and legal or financial matters (paying for pharmacy, groceries, etc.).
5. Set up direct debits for regular and common expenses (water, electricity, telecommunications, etc.). This prevents the responsible person from having to worry about monthly payments, freeing them from one more task.
6. Inform the people who will be responsible for providing support about the location of the most important everyday items. Examples: garage keys, spare house keys, mailbox keys to access correspondence, etc.
7. Keep a record of the contact details of your attending physicians for quick access if needed.
8. Keep clothes and personal belongings organized (e.g., nightgowns or pajamas in one place, skirts and trousers together, etc.) to make laundry and wardrobe management easier for others.
9. Keep your home free of unnecessary objects to help those who will be supporting you in the future. This will make it easier to find what they need and ensure enough space for movement with a wheelchair or walker if necessary.
Open Conversations and Future Planning
Despite the discomfort of imagining a time when health may fail, it is crucial to discuss the future with the people who will support you. Have open and practical conversations to align expectations and decisions.
In old age, we all want not only care but also affection and attention. However, if caregivers are overwhelmed with administrative or legal matters, there may be little time left for emotional support. By making their lives easier, you are ultimately making your own life more peaceful too.
KindCare Can Help
If you are currently a caregiver or responsible for someone and need help managing everyday tasks, contact KindCare. We have experienced professionals available to support you and take care of whatever is needed.