Caring for older relatives

BROACHING the subject of long-term care with older relatives is never an easy task, but it doesn’ t have to be as scary as you think. Being well informed of the options and financial incentives available can help you and your family plan for the future.

According to figures from the HSE website, only about five percent of all older people need to avail of nursing homes, but most elderly people will need assistance at some point, so it’s a good idea to have an open dialogue.

A good starting point is determining how much care your loved one may need and then you can start making plans to provide this – your GP should be able to help you assess their care needs. After evaluating your loved ones needs you can consider whether you or another family member is in a position to take care of them at home. If your relative’s mobility is starting to deteriorate you may want to consider hiring a home care service provider.

The financial side of home care can be a burden, but there are government grants available and in a lot of cases tax relief can be claimed by the bill payer. As a carer you can also apply for other government grants such as carers allowance and carer’s support grant – depending on your circumstances. Respite care services is also worth looking into as this offers the carer an opportunity to take a break, while their loved one can enjoy the social aspect of a care institution.

It’s important to remember that this discussion may not be easy for your loved one and the idea of needing assistance can be difficult to accept, so be patient, understanding and caring.