Typically, parents of children with disabilities are forced to be extremely meticulous in regard to medical planning for their children. Between meeting with several different doctors, and any medication that has been prescribed, parents have to be on top of things, knowing exactly what their child needs in any situation. However, a new study has found that long-term planning might be something that parents are overlooking, as their child ages.
It is no secret that as technology advances, life expectancy increases. What this also means is that people with disabilities are also living longer, perhaps longer than their care givers. It is never easy to think about what will happen after you die, but for parents of children with disabilities, this is something that should not be overlooked. University of Illinois special education professor Meghan Burke recently did a nationwide survey on almost 400 parents of individuals with disabilities. You can read the full article and outcome in Medical Express.
There are many reasons why long-term planning can prove to be difficult for parents. You may not know what kind of condition your child will be in, and chances are you will have to make arrangements for a different doctor in case your primary caregiver retires, and you and your partner may not agree on who should be responsible for helping your child. Furthermore, if you have decided on someone that can handle the task, they may decide not to accept that responsibility. There are other factors to take into account as well.
Fortunately, the solution to these problems is relatively easy and inexpensive. Training programs exist that go over all of the things that parents should plan for, even ones that you may not think of initially, so they can make sure their children are taken care of in the future. These classes are offered in varying languages and are an excellent way to set the planning in motion for concerned parents.
Specialized Care Managers can also help by being available to make sure yours and your loved one’s wishes are carried out in the way that you have designated. A Care Manager can be there to advocate for your loved one when you cannot and to be an extra set of eyes to identify potential problems and creative solutions. If you are not aware of the resources available in your area, a Care Manager can help.
If you would like to speak to one of our Senior Care Managers, please contact us today.
