Older adults require special attention and care as they age, and during this phase, most of them prefer to live with their families. However, this sometimes requires family members to take up caregiving duties without any professional training. Such responsibilities include helping with daily activities like personal hygiene, preparing meals, dressing, transportation, and more. However, despite their best efforts, inexperienced caregivers may make mistakes that affect the quality of care given to their loved ones.

1. Not getting their life affairs in order

As individuals age, they may face struggles managing their finances and other personal affairs. Caregivers should not assume that all of this is already taken care of. Instead, be willing to openly discuss gathering important legal documents and personal information and saving it all in one folder. This must include details about-

• Bank and investment accounts
• Estate documents (wills and trusts)
• Funeral and burial plans
• Healthcare and insurance information
• Names and contact details of personal and professional advisors
• Real estate documents

1. Trying to do it all alone

Another mistake people make when caring for their parents is thinking they must do it alone. Caregiving for another individual can take a huge toll on people emotionally and affect their ability to care for seniors. That is why it is important to ask for help from friends and/or family members or join a caregiver support group. This will allow primary caregivers to rest properly and resume their duties once they feel well-rested and recharged.

One can also turn to professionals such as financial advisors, estate planning attorneys, accountants, and qualified caregivers such as nurses for help throughout this process.

1. Being too lax about medical care

Ensuring proper medical care is a crucial aspect of senior caregiving. If a caregiver lacks proper experience in this field and takes a relaxed approach, it could be a big mistake. Caregivers must take all necessary measures to protect seniors from potential health issues. To stay proactive about healthcare, caregivers must-

• Copy and store all healthcare-related details in a separate notebook. One must carry this book to every consultation with the doctor.
• Make detailed notes of what is discussed at the appointment.
• Stay up to date on all treatment plans.
• Learn as much as possible about seniors’ health conditions to better understand their healthcare needs.

1. Postponing important conversations

Nobody likes addressing the difficult questions about a loved one’s passing. However, it is important to discuss end-of-life care while the seniors are still healthy. Call a meeting with the family and ensure the following are covered-

• Putting all financial and legal documents together in one place
• Formulating an estate plan, which includes a trust, a will, a medical power of attorney, and a durable power of attorney
• Naming a personal executor to ensure that all the wishes are carried out as written
• Addressing all debts, expenses, and taxes, including funeral expenses and inheritance and estate taxes
• Listing any special instructions regarding how the home and estate should be maintained after their passing