Can
no longer take proper care of their finances?
Convincing your parent that they need help with their finances
can be very difficult, so plant the idea sooner than later.
One solution is to get your loved one a "companion"
credit card, with a low credit limit, added to your own account.
This way, you will get the bill and they don't have to carry
around cash that may get lost or stolen.
The most critical issue is to obtain a Durable Power of
Attorney (one for health and one for financial), prior to
the diagnosis of any type of dementia. These documents will
give you the authority to act on the behalf of your loved
one if they become incapacitated. To get these documents,
contact…
More on page 289 of Elder Rage.
Needs to see a dementia specialist or a psychiatrist,
but refuses to go?
Modern medicine has made tremendous advancements in treating
mood disorders, such as anxiety and depression. Drug therapy
could make a significant difference in how your loved one
feels. A psychologist cannot prescribe medication, so be sure
to find a geriatric psychiatrist, an elder care specialist,
as they will be experienced at diagnosing elderly behavioral
symptoms.
If your parent is suffering from depression, have your
family physician talk with your parent about how these feelings
are nothing to be ashamed of and how unnecessary it is to
suffer nowadays. The doctor should make light of seeing
the specialist and assure your loved one that they are not
going crazy or losing their mind. Ask the doctor to write
a formal "prescription" and suggest that…
More on page 291 of Elder Rage.
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