Often we cannot see the changes that signal our parent may need help until a sudden illness or an accidental fall by your aging parent thrusts the entire family into a crisis. Advance planning may soften the possible fianancial or emotional impact of a sudden illness or an accident.

Ask yourself if any of the following statements are true. If your answer is "yes" to any of these questions, we can help you.

• I notice there are changes in how my parent thinks or acts.
• I am worried my parent needs more help than I can provide.
• My parent's physician has expressed concern about my parent living alone.
• My parent needs help in arranging services or appointments.
• I want someone to notify me when my parent needs me to become involved in his/her care.
• I need information about the support services in my parent's community.
• I want help in gathering information needed to assist me in managing my parent's needs.
• My parent is in a dangerous or crisis situation, and I don't have the resources to help.

(What is geriatric care management?)