Question 1

how do i stop my parent with alzheimer's from driving? my mom has alzheimer's and is pretty forgetful. i've noticed her driving seems to be a lot worse and sometimes she gets lost. i really don't think she should be on the road, so how do i get her to vol

Accepted Answer

This : This is going to be a tough struggle.  If she already has alzheimer's, and you have noticed problems, it is probably time to take the car away.  She will not like this decision, as it is one of her last vestiges of independence.  But the decision needs to be made before she gets in an accident (many times it takes a broken fender or mailbox to convince somebody).  I would suggest you advise her doctor of the problem privately, then have an "intervention" at an office visit.  That way the doctor can be the bad guy, and you will agree. Some states have driver's training tests (occupational therapists sometimes do this) that might prove to her that she is impaired.  But usually the doctor visit is enough.

Question 2

how do we daughters find the best nursing home for our elderly parent?

Accepted Answer

Talk to other family: First, define what area you want to search in. Then, visit the actual nursing homes and ask to talk to the residents and visiting family of those residents. Ask the home about specific staffing ratios and what their staff is comprised of - how many rn's, cna's, dieticians, activity specialists, physical/occupational/speech therapists. What medical care is available if problems arise - doc available?

Question 3

where can my elderly parent get financial assistance for an aide at home?

Accepted Answer

Try your insurance: This may be a covered benefit depending on your insurance and your parents medical condtion. Likely, if it is it will be for a minimum amount of hours. But, it is a start. 
Social workers are good people to find this sort of information out.

Question 4

how important is good communication between doctors and me about my elderly parent?

Accepted Answer

Most important: We dr's are often left in the dark about what to do with the elderly patient.Medicare has actually made a special code (how to bill) for a visit to discuss this with your parent's dr.Please avail yourself of this benefit.Living will, power of attorney& health care surrogate are all very important discussions to have before the need arises.

Question 5

how must i discuss difficult news like needing a nursing home with my elderly parent?

Accepted Answer

It is difficult: If possible, i would try and get your siblings (if you have some) as well as other family members involved in the entire process. It is very difficult for parents as well as for the children involved when it comes to needing nursing home placement. Perhaps there is a therapist, like a social worker in your area who can give you some ongoing assistance. Most nursing homes employ such an individual.

Question 6

hi,both my parents tested positive for covid 19 and they are elderly.how can i care for them but still stay safe?

Accepted Answer

COVID 19: Do you live with them? If yes, ask them to confine themselves to their bed room with a bathroom. Ventilate the house well - open windows if possible. Keep their bedroom door closed. All should wear masks and social distance when you need to be together- keep those periods short. You can leave things at their bedroom door. Keep surfaces clean. Wash hands often.

Question 7

my sister diagnosed with mssa and she lives with my elderly parents and shes been around me and my children and grandchildren. do i need to stay away?

Accepted Answer

Wash hands!: (and that means everyone!)

Staph aureus is pretty common, most people carry it in their noses, it only gets to be a problem if it's in the bloodstream or under the skin. MSSA just means it's easier to treat if an actual infection develops.

Question 8

we were at a small gathering on saturday and have since discovered that 2 of the parents are covid positive.  as we are going to a game farm with my elderly parents next week i'd like to test my wife, 2 children and myself.  please confirm what to do?

Accepted Answer

Test: Strongly suggest you get tested after such an exposure to protect your family.  Quarantine if test is positive!

Question 9

what is the best vitamins for my elderly parents?

Accepted Answer

Vitamins: Depends on their general health & other medications they are taking. If healthy medically,  50 +  multivitamins are available.

Question 10

how can i help my spouse who is caring for his elderly parents?

Accepted Answer

It's a hard task: Caring for elderly parents puts stress on marriages and work. The caregiver feels torn and has internal conflicts. If i spend time with my parents, i can't be with my spouse (and/or children.) depending on your own relationship with his parents, you may feel resentful that they are taking him away from you. Try to give him an opportunity to talk about how he feels. Be supportive if you can be.

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Doctor answers about:

How to stop elderly parents from driving

A member asked:

How do i stop my parent with alzheimer's from driving? my mom has alzheimer's and is pretty forgetful. i've noticed her driving seems to be a lot worse and sometimes she gets lost. i really don't think she should be on the road, so how do i get her to vol

A member asked:

How do we daughters find the best nursing home for our elderly parent?

A member asked:

Where can my elderly parent get financial assistance for an aide at home?

A member asked:

How important is good communication between doctors and me about my elderly parent?

A member asked:

How must i discuss difficult news like needing a nursing home with my elderly parent?

A member asked:

Hi,both my parents tested positive for covid 19 and they are elderly.how can i care for them but still stay safe?

A member asked:

My sister diagnosed with mssa and she lives with my elderly parents and shes been around me and my children and grandchildren. do i need to stay away?

A member asked:

We were at a small gathering on saturday and have since discovered that 2 of the parents are covid positive. as we are going to a game farm with my elderly parents next week i'd like to test my wife, 2 children and myself. please confirm what to do?

A member asked:

What is the best vitamins for my elderly parents?

A member asked:

How can i help my spouse who is caring for his elderly parents?

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