Dear Judie:
Dad(84) has lived independently in his Milwaukee home for years, but he’s not as mobile as he used to be, and lately he sounds a little confused. Bottom line: he needs help and I’m “it.” I don’t want to move to Milwaukee and he doesn’t want to move here. I need a plan to help me get organized before the situation spirals out of control.
- Joe, Hobe Sound
Dear Joe:
For effective long-distance caregiving you’ll need a team of advisors in Milwaukee to function as your eyes and ears. The best time to establish your support network is before you need it so you’ll be able to act quickly when a problem arises.
Start with these team members.
- Elder Law Attorney: Log on to www.naela.org to locate an Elder Law attorney in Milwaukee for current and future financial and legal matters. The laws vary from state to state, so a local attorney is necessary.
- Geriatric Care Manager: Log on to www.caremanager.org to find a care manager in Milwaukee. The care manager will visit dad, assess his status and needs, create a plan to keep him safe, and refer you to additional professionals when needed.
These two professionals can provide you with the information you need to make informed decisions now and as Dad ages.
