School will soon be back in session in Florida. We will all have to deal with the traffic once again doubling and slowing on Southwest Florida roads. It is hard to believe that summer has come to an end for many families.
Along with establishing new family routines for the fall comes the time to make necessary decisions about aging loved ones.
What Did You Notice This Summer?
During the summer, did any of these situations come up for your loved one?
- New diagnosis
- Increased signs of forgetfulness
- A fall or hospitalization
- Unpaid bills
- Victim of a scam
- Traffic accident or more dents on the car
- Little food in the house, or most of it expired
- Unwashed clothing
- Decrease in personal hygiene
- Canceling social plans and increased isolation
These signs may indicate that your relative or friend needs additional help. It is easy to bury your head in the sand and push these concerns aside for a more “convenient” time. But fall can be the perfect time to assemble a team of trusted advisors.
Start Building Your “A” Team
When changes begin to appear, the goal is not to panic. The goal is to get organized, gather information, and begin planning before the family is forced to make decisions during a crisis.
Schedule a Primary Doctor’s Visit
Schedule a primary care appointment and accompany your loved one if possible. A medical visit can help identify health changes, medication concerns, mobility issues, memory problems, or other needs that may require additional attention.
Request a Home Safety Assessment
Consider hiring a physical therapist or occupational therapist to visit the home and assess safety measures to prevent falls and other health risks. A home safety review can reveal hazards that family members may overlook.
Explore Care Options Early
Contact home care agencies, visit adult day centers, or tour assisted living communities to gather information before an urgent need arises. Learning about available options in advance can make future decisions less stressful.
Review Legal Documents and Planning Options
Meet with a Florida Bar Board-Certified Elder Law attorney to make sure legal documents are up to date, provide proper coverage, and support the family’s care and financial goals.
Burzynski Elder Law can help families review estate planning documents, explore Medicaid planning, evaluate asset protection options, and build a plan for future care needs.
Get Educated Before a Crisis
Life stays busy, leaving no “quiet” time to prioritize these important steps. However, a health crisis is the worst time to educate yourself and be forced into major decisions.
Football season, fall festivals, and the holidays are right around the corner. Before the calendar fills up, take time to review what your loved one may need and what your family can do now to prepare.
Through life care planning, Burzynski Elder Law helps families address legal documents, care advocacy, asset protection, benefits planning, and the practical realities of aging.
Start Planning This Fall
A few thoughtful steps today can help your family avoid confusion, conflict, and rushed decisions later.
Call Burzynski Elder Law at 239-434-8557 to start your planning today.