Caring for aging parents: what you can do to help

If you’re in your 40s or 50s, you might find yourself stepping into a new role: helping your parents manage their health. It’s not always easy, but your support can make a big difference in how well they age. Whether it’s making time to attend doctor’s appointments or following up on test results, being involved shows your parent that they’re not alone and ensures nothing falls through the cracks.

“When someone has a loved one by their side, it can lead to better care,” says Glenn Alan Carr, MD, Saint Agnes Hospice and Palliative Care Medicine. “Even just helping organize medications or asking questions at an appointment can be a form of advocacy.”

If you can’t go with them in person, offer to call after the appointment to review what was discussed. A simple check-in can be just as meaningful.

What you should know about the Medicare Annual Wellness Visit

Once your parent turns 65 and is enrolled in Medicare Part B, they qualify for a free Medicare Annual Wellness Visit once a year. This visit is a preventive care check-in that helps create a personalized plan for healthy aging.

Here's what it typically includes:

• A review of medical and family history
• A health risk assessment
• Height, weight, and blood pressure check
• Cognitive and mental health screening
• A conversation about their current care team and medications
• Development of a schedule for screenings and preventive services

“Our goal at Central Valley Health Plan is to make it easier for seniors to stay proactive about their health,” says Eric McMurtrey, Vice President, Central Valley Health Plan. “The Medicare Annual Wellness Visit is a great opportunity to check-in, catch potential health issues early and create a care plan that supports healthy aging.”

If your parent hasn’t had this visit yet, encourage them to schedule one. It’s covered every year at no cost through Medicare Part B.

Other ways to help aging parents stay on track

Here are a few simple ways you can support your loved one’s health:

• Create a shared calendar for appointments and medication refills
• Encourage physical activity even if it's a short walk around the block
• Talk about advance care planning before a crisis arises
• Make sure they stay up to date on vaccines and screenings
• Check in regularly about how they're feeling, both physically and emotionally

Taking these steps not only helps your parent feel supported by you can help feel more confident in the role you're stepping into.

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Saint Agnes offers Medicare Advantage coverage through Central Valley Health Plan for residents of Fresno and Madera counties.

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Whether your loved one needs a new primary care doctor or help coordinating their Annual Wellness Visit, we're here to support healthy aging.

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