5 Things To Do Before Your Senior Loved One Needs In-Home Help

Watching a loved one age can bring a mix of emotions—gratitude for the memories you share and concern for their well-being in the years ahead. This is a time to stay on top of long-term planning, such as where your loved one will live and what kind of help or services they may need. Even if your loved one wants to age in place, being proactive now ensures their comfort and safety while reducing stress for both of you when the time comes to make decisions about care.

Taking small, thoughtful steps now can help prevent last-minute scrambling when your loved one needs assistance. Here are five ways to start planning today so you’re prepared when extra help is needed.

1. Have the Conversation—Respectfully and Gradually

Talking about aging and care needs isn’t easy, but starting the conversation before a crisis arises allows your loved one to express their wishes openly.

How to approach the discussion:

• Choose a relaxed, private setting where your loved one feels comfortable.
• Begin with open-ended questions, such as:
  • “Have you thought about how you want to manage things as you get older?”
  • “What are your biggest concerns about staying in your home long term?”
  • “Would you be open to help at home if it meant you could stay independent longer?”
• Reassure them that your goal is to support their wishes and independence, not to take away their control.

This conversation doesn’t need to be one-and-done. It can happen gradually, in pieces, and evolve as needs change.

2. Research Local Home Care Options

Even if your loved one doesn’t need help today, exploring home care agencies now means you’ll have a plan when the time comes.

What to look for in a home care agency:

• License and insurance: Ensure the agency meets state requirements.
• Range of services: Does the agency offer companionship, personal care, or medical assistance? If your loved one moves to independent or assisted living, can the agency still serve them?
• Flexible scheduling: Can the agency provide occasional help at first and increase care as needed?
• Trained caregivers: Look for an agency that conducts background checks and properly trains its staff.
• Client reviews: Check online reviews and ask for references from families who have used the agency’s services.
• Cost: Find out what the agency’s various services cost (knowing that fees may be different when you need help in the future).

Consider setting up consultations with a few agencies so you and your loved one can discuss their approaches and get comfortable with the idea of in-home help.

3. Make Safety Modifications to Your Senior Loved One’s Home

Aging in place works best when the home is safe and accessible. Assess your older loved one’s living space for hazards and consider small modifications now that could make a big difference later.

Simple upgrades for safety:

• Install grab bars in bathrooms.
• Improve lighting in hallways and stairwells.
• Remove tripping hazards (loose rugs, cluttered walkways).
• Add a medical alert system for peace of mind.
• Ensure frequently used items are easy to reach.

Taking care of these adjustments early can help your loved one stay independent longer.

4. Research Assisted Living and Memory Care—Just in Case

Even if the goal is to stay at home, circumstances can change. Being informed about local assisted living and memory care options now prevents the need for rushed decisions in the future.

What to consider when researching senior living options:

• Location: Is the senior living community close to family or medical providers?
• Level of care: Some communities offer independent living, assisted living, and memory care all in one place.
• Cost: What’s included in the price? Are there hidden fees?
• Tour options: Visiting in person can help you get a feel for the atmosphere and staff.

Having this research done in advance means that if home care is no longer enough, you’ll have a plan in place.

5. Get Legal and Financial Documents in Order

It’s essential to make sure your loved one’s legal and financial affairs are in place so you can act on their behalf if needed.

Documents to review:

• Durable power of attorney for health care and finances
• Advance directive (living will) to outline medical wishes
• Will or trust to manage their estate
• Long-term care insurance (if they have it) and the policy’s benefit triggers

If these documents aren’t set up yet, encourage your loved one to meet with an elder law attorney while they are still able to make decisions for themselves.

Final Thoughts: Planning Ahead Reduces Stress for Everyone

Taking these steps before your loved one needs help allows you both to feel more confident about the future. Start the conversation early, research your options, and gradually put plans in place to ensure their wishes are honored and their independence is maintained for as long as possible.

By being proactive, you’ll avoid the stress of making last-minute decisions and ensure that your loved one receives the best care when they need it.

How Right at Home Can Help

Right at Home has been helping seniors and their families navigate the aging journey for the last 30 years. Our local offices can help guide you, as they provide a wide range of in-home care services. We offer a FREE RightConversations Guide that helps families overcome communication barriers when discussing how to care for an older loved one. Download your copy today.

To find out more, use our office locator to call the Right at Home office nearest you and speak to an aging expert. They can help you determine which services will help you and conduct a FREE in-home care consultation.

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