What should you do with your parents' home if they are put into care?

Putting a loved one into care is an incredibly emotional and stressful experience; I know, we had to do make the decision on behalf of my mum when dad was suffering with Parkinsons and dementia.

In mum’s case we were lucky, she could still afford to stay in their home even when paying for dad to be in a special care home. As mum’s home was big enough to create a bedroom downstairs and...

If you leave the property empty, then follow our ‘empty property checklist’ to make sure that you keep it as safe as possible for when your parent returns:-

Empty Property Checklist

1.  Make sure the property is insured for being empty for more than 30 days (or whatever the current home insurance covers).

2.  Turn off the gas, water and all plugs so the property is kept safe.

3.  Cancel or redirect as many deliveries...

If you want to rent a property out, you are likely to have to do this for six months or more. You will also need to incur costs to let the property legally such as:-

• Energy Performance Certificate
• Gas Safety Certificate
• Electrical Safety Certificate OR self certifying that the electrics are safe

You also need to bear in mind that if you take a tenant on, you will need:-

1.    An up to date tenancy agreement.

This is such a tough time for everyone. Sometimes it’s a relief all round, other times it can be very tense. Depending on your circumstances, you have two courses of action: to sell the property or rent it out.

Whether you decide to rent out the property or sell it often depends on three factors:-

1.    Is your parent ‘happy’ to let go of the property or do they still think they will come home at some stage? This can be the case...

On the one hand this can make things easier, as often, the parent who is well will be able to help make the decisions and they will often want to either stay in the home or move, so it takes renting out of the equation.

Ideally you’ll need to discuss with both parents what they want to do, but it’s important not to rush into anything. Many people making decisions at times like this when stress levels are high, end up making the wrong decision and then incurring...

For the last 20 years, I have helped clients plan for their “golden years”, including how they will address the issues of aging and remaining independent. And now I am personally experiencing it myself; I am the Designated Daughterwith my own parents. Because my parents and I had “the important conversations” and did the proper planning, I was prepared when I received that ‘Call in the Night’.Part of creating the life of your dreams is making sure you...

In Home Care Service for Seniors

• Companion Care -One of the most important aspects of in-home care is providing a strong sense of belonging and comfort. Taking an interest in the client, his/her life and environment creates a lasting bond between caregiver and the individual. Whether it is playing a favorite board game or card game, reading, taking a stroll or visiting with friends and neighbors, life is meant to be enjoyed by the individual.
• Personal Assistance...

Depression in Seniors: Basics and Resources in Los Angeles CA

Michelle Rojas MS MBA

Orange Grove Home Care

What is Depression?

Although common,depressionis not a normal part of aging.  Technically, depression is the term used to describe pessimism and feelings of sadness that last for weeks or months at a time, and that interfere with one’s ability to cope with day-to-day situations.  These feelings of negativity can be...

We often see signs that Mom or Dad is getting older. Often times, our parents tell us that they're fine and don't need any help. Sometimes, too, the changes in our parents come on gradually and can be subtle.  But do you know what signs to look for that may indicate that your aging parents may need some in-home care? The following list provides some signs to watch for in your parents that may indicate that some additional assistance in the home is needed:

Poor...

Home Health Care Options

When and How to Get In Home Caregiver Help

Caring for elderly parents or a loved one at home can get more difficult as illness progresses. Deciding when, whether & where to get help can seem daunting.

Determining what type of in home care, and how much of it is needed, is part of the service that home health care agencies provide. Many of these agencies will send a professional to the family’s home to assess the...