Aging means one will eventually require assistance with activities of daily living.
Watching our loved ones get old and their bodies wear out is hard.
The tasks they once were able to do with ease have become challenging.
When living independently is threatened, one must seek additional support and care.
Some Activities of Daily Living can be solved with simple aids, like a walker, while others require caregiver support.
Activities of Daily Living are tasks necessary for living independently.
What is included in this list?
Bathing and Personal Hygiene.
One must be able to maintain cleanliness habits like washing oneself.
Dressing.
Daily life requires the ability to take on and off clothes.
Eating.
People cannot survive long without food.
To live independently, one must be able to feed oneself balanced, nutricious meals.
Toileting.
People should be able to use the bathroom and clean up after themselves.
Mobility.
It is important for seniors to be able to do things independently, whether getting out of bed or moving around the house.
According to an A Place for Mom article titled “What Are Activities of Daily Living and How Are They Assessed?,” those concerned about the ability of their loved ones to live independently should first assess their ability to perform ADLs.
How does one make these assessments?
When you are around your loved ones, you should observe how they function in their daily routines and note any challenges they encounter.
To monitor changes over time, taking notes or having a checklist can be helpful.
Activities of Daily Living and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) are necessary for independent living, but IADLs are more complex.
Taking medications, preparing meals, managing finances, and handling transportation fall under the IADL classification.
Most adults want to live independently as long as possible.
In more than 31 years as an estate planning attorney, I have yet to have a client confide in me that they are excited about spending time in a care center!
Sometimes, home modifications or the assistance of a caregiver are necessary.
What are common challenges?
Difficulty with Mobility.
When rising from a lying or seated position is difficult, mobility aids like a cane can be helpful.
Challenges with Hygiene.
Modifications to make a bathroom more accessible and help one bathe and toilet independently can benefit seniors.
In my research for a replacement toilet, I discovered that all major manufacturers offer "elevated" seat models.
If one is struggling to dress or perform other tasks even with an accessible bathroom, home care services may be required.
Trouble with Eating.
A meal preparation service can be beneficial for those who struggle to prepare or eat meals.
A quick internet search for "Meals on Wheels" will likely find a perfect resource.
Cognitive Decline.
Loss of memory and confusion can make daily living challenging and often require home care assistance.
Waiting until a loved one requires assistance with Activities of Daily Living to create a plan can leave your loved ones physically and financially vulnerable.
Your family should make preparations before services are required.
First, you should discuss their concerns and needs with your loved ones.
With open communication, you will be better equipped to understand and address their concerns while acclimating them to receiving assistance.
After you have begun the conversation among the family, talk with the healthcare provider of your aging loved ones to assess their abilities and receive recommendations for care services.
Create a Care Plan.
Your loved ones, their healthcare team, and other family members should work together to create a personalized care plan.
It should outline the required assistance and how it will be provided.
Explore Care Options.
The level of care required will determine the type of services to be used.
Some people need only the support of in-home assistance, while others require residential assisted living communities.
You should research, visit, and interview local providers and facilities to find the best fit.
Discuss Financial Arrangements.
Goods and services cost money.
Having a financial plan for payments is important.
Possible options include savings, long-term care insurance, or government program assistance.
Gretchen and I acquired our long-term care insurance policies ... when we turned age 49.
This blog post may focus on your senior loved ones, but Baby Boomers and Gen X are also on deck.
Legal Considerations.
As your loved ones age, they will require more support.
A signed general durable power of attorney and an advance health care directive allow you or others to help make decisions and manage affairs for your loved one.
Serving as a caregiver for a loved one is multifaceted.
If you notice a decline in your loved one's ability to perform Activities of Daily Living, you should make plans and take action.
When incapacity documents are outdated or nonexistent, it is harder for families to support the needs of seniors.
Contact an experienced estate planning attorney to get these key documents in place.
Caring for your loved one begins with awareness.
You cannot provide adequate support if you do not know the specific needs.
A checklist can help you evaluate any progression of impairment.
Planning ahead will make it easier to provide care when it is necessary.
To best support your aging loved ones, working with professionals specializing in senior health or estate planning is wise.
This post is for informational purposes only and does not provide legal advice. You should contact an attorney for advice concerning any particular issue or problem. Nothing herein creates an attorney-client relationship between Harvest Law KC and the reader.
Reference: A Place for Mom (Jul. 20, 2024) “What Are Activities of Daily Living and How Are They Assessed?”
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