When an aging parent begins to need more support, families often find themselves wondering: Is my parent getting the right kind of help? Whether your loved one is receiving care from family, friends, or professional caregivers, it’s important to periodically review and evaluate their current care plan. Doing so ensures their safety, happiness, and overall well-being. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to assess your parent’s care, what to look for, and how to make adjustments when needed, all with practical tips and gentle reminders of how Clara can help.

Why Evaluating Your Parent’s Care Plan Matters

A care plan is not a static document, it should evolve as your parent’s needs change. Regular evaluation helps you catch issues early, adapt to new health concerns, and ensure your parent is thriving, not just surviving. A well-designed care plan addresses physical, emotional, social, and practical needs, providing a foundation for quality care and peace of mind for the whole family.

Not sure where to start? Check out our Step-by-Step Guide to Senior Care Planning.

How to Assess Your Parent’s Current Care

1. Conduct a Thorough Needs Assessment

Start by looking at your parents’ situation from multiple angles. Consider:

• Medical Needs: Are all health conditions being managed? Are medications taken correctly and on time? Are doctor’s appointments kept and follow-ups completed?

• Physical Abilities: Can your parent move safely around the home? Do they need help with bathing, dressing, or eating? Are assistive devices (like walkers or grab bars) available and used?

• Emotional and Mental Health: Does your parent seem happy, engaged, and supported? Are there signs of depression, anxiety, or loneliness? How is their memory and cognitive function?

• Social Engagement: Is your parent staying connected with friends, family, and community? Are they participating in activities they enjoy?

• Nutritional Status: Are meals nutritious and tailored to dietary needs? Is your parent eating regularly and staying hydrated?

2. Involve Your Parent in the Process

Your parent’s preferences and wishes should guide any changes to their care plan. Schedule a family meeting and use active listening to understand their concerns and desires. Respect their autonomy and discuss long-term goals together. This collaborative approach helps ensure that your parent feels valued and heard, which, in turn, can contribute to better health outcomes.

3. Review Caregiver Role and Fit

To support aging in place, you may have hired a professional caregiver to care for your parent at home. Either way, a caregiver’s responsibilities go beyond just physical tasks—caregivers provide companionship, emotional support, and a sense of security, meaning that compatibility plays a huge rule in your parent's wellbeing.

While family caregiving can be more complex, signs that your professional caregiver may not be the right fit could include:

• Inadequate Care: Missed tasks, poor hygiene, or skipped meals.

• Lack of Connection: Your parent feels uncomfortable or isolated with the caregiver.

• Poor Communication: No updates on your parent’s condition or lack of transparency.

• Questionable Behavior: Any signs of abuse or neglect, or sudden changes in your parent’s finances.

• Disinterest or Burnout: The caregiver seems disengaged or unwilling to go the extra mile.

If you notice any of these issues, address them promptly. Sometimes a simple conversation can resolve misunderstandings, but if problems persist, it may be time to look for a new caregiver.

4. Evaluate the Daily Routine

A structured daily routine helps your parent feel secure and supported. Look at how their day is organized:

• Morning Routine: Is there help with waking up, medication, breakfast, and personal hygiene?

• Daytime Activities: Are there opportunities for exercise, socializing, hobbies, and medical appointments?

• Evening Routine: Is there support for dinner, relaxation, and bedtime preparation?

A flexible routine that adapts to your parent’s changing energy and health is ideal.

5. Check for Emergency Preparedness

Make sure your parents’ care plan includes emergency planning. This means having up-to-date emergency contacts, a clear medical history, and advanced care directives in an accessible place. Review these documents regularly, especially after any major health event.

Read more in our blog on "Building a Watertight Senior Care Plan".

6. Identify and Leverage Available Resources

Take stock of the resources available to support your parents’ care:

• In-Home Care Services: Personal care assistants, skilled nursing, housekeeping, and meal preparation.

• Community Programs: Senior centers, adult day care, and local transportation services.

• Healthcare Providers: Primary care physicians, specialists, and telemedicine options.

• Financial and Legal Resources: Elder law attorneys, financial advisors, and social workers for government benefits.

How to Adjust the Care Plan

If your assessment reveals gaps or areas for improvement, don’t hesitate to make changes. Here’s how to approach adjustments:

• Communicate Openly: Share your findings with your parent and the care team. Discuss what’s working and what could be better.

• Set Clear Goals: Collaborate to set realistic objectives that prioritize safety, independence, and well-being.

• Update the Routine: Adjust daily schedules to better meet your parent’s needs and preferences.

• Seek Professional Guidance: Consider consulting a care manager, elder law attorney, or social worker for specialized advice.

• Plan for Transitions: If you need to change caregivers or services, arrange for a smooth transition to minimize disruption and stress for your parent.

The Role of Professional In-Home Care

Professional in-home care can make a significant difference in your parents’ quality of life. Caregivers can provide:

• Personal care assistance (bathing, dressing, toileting)

• Medication reminders and management

• Meal planning and preparation

• Mobility support and fall prevention

• Companionship and emotional support

• Light housekeeping and errands
  
  

When you work with a facilitator like Clara, you can expect a personalized approach to matching caregivers with your parent’s unique needs and preferences. Clara’s experienced team helps you find the right fit and provides ongoing support to ensure your parent receives compassionate, reliable care.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Assuming the Care Plan Doesn’t Need Updates: Needs change over time, so regular reviews are essential.

• Ignoring Your Parents Preferences: Always involve your parent in decision-making to respect their autonomy.

• Overlooking Social and Emotional Needs: Companionship and mental health are just as important as physical care.

• Not Communicating with the Care Team: Open, honest communication helps prevent misunderstandings and ensures everyone is on the same page.

Final Thoughts

Regularly evaluating your parents’ care plan is one of the best ways to ensure they’re getting the right kind of help. By taking a holistic approach—assessing medical, physical, emotional, and social needs—you can make informed decisions that promote your parents’ well-being and independence. Remember, care planning is an ongoing process, and flexibility is key to adapting as needs change.

If you’re looking for support in evaluating or updating your parents’ care plan, Clara is here to help. Reach out to learn more about how Clara can connect your family with compassionate, experienced caregivers who are the right fit for your loved one.