may 2012
CityLight.org 39
d
o
you
HaVe
any
suGGesTions
for
How
my
siblinGs
and
i
Can
CooperaTe
more
effiCienTly
in
CarinG
for
our
elderly
parenTs
?
In families where multiple siblings participate
in caring for their elderly parents, communi-
cation is key. However, it is often difficult to
manage and divide the day-to-day schedules
of elderly parents among multiple siblings.
Since frequent communication between
family members is important for the health
of elderly parents, the following are a few
suggestions for keeping all family members
informed of the latest parental updates.
1. Create a single online calendar so that ev-
eryone is on the same page. This would al-
low each child to access the calendar to view
events as well as make updates to the calen-
dar. The calendar should include any and
everything related to the care of your parents
from doctor's appointments to medication
schedules to family visits. In the business of
life, it is easy for an elderly parent to have no
contact with family for days at a time. Hav-
ing a schedule helps to ensure some daily
contact with family members. This goes a
long way in the health of elderly parents.
2. Keep the family organized and up to date
by having all of your parents' important re-
cords and documentation in one safe place
for everyone to access. Medical information
regarding your elderly parents is always im-
portant for everyone in the family to have
access to, especially when different siblings
provide transportation to and from various
doctor's appointments. (You can ask the doc-
tor for a copy of his/her notes from the visit.
They will provide you such information.)
3. Create a family email tree where you can
easily request schedule trades with your sib-
lings if a conflict comes up without having
to pick up the phone and you can share your
thoughts and feelings with your family mem-
bers. Create a free email account through
Goggle©, Yahoo©, or any other media spe-
cifically for updates regarding your parents.
Each child can have the password word so
that each child can send updates as needed.
4. Keep an updated list of your parents' health
care providers. Include information such as
the type of doctor and why your parent sees
that doctor. It is important to know all of
your parents' medical issues. This becomes
critical when different siblings attend differ-
ent doctor's appointments.
5. Keep an updated list of your parents' medi-
cation. Take the list to each doctor's appoint-
ment.
The key to end of life decisions is to plan for
the future while you are still able to express
your wishes. Then you can be comfortable
knowing that, in the event of a crisis, those
you love will be protected and will also know
how to protect you.
If you're confused about how to go about
making a Last Will and Testament, Living
Will or a Health Care Power of Attorney,
or a Power of Attorney, you are not alone.
Speaking to an attorney who practices estate
law can help you avoid becoming one of those
statistics of people without these documents.
Debra C. Galloway is a lawyer practicing elder
and estate law in South Carolina. If you have
any questions concerning our services, or if we
can be of assistance to you in any way, please
contact Attorney Galloway by phone at:
(803) 356-0525 or visit
www.TheGallowayLawFirm.com.