Serving the Lowcountry and Coastal Empire of Georgia and South Carolina.
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
It’s one of the worst facts for many of us as we grow older: our parents also grow older too. By the time we’re adults, usually, our parents have begun to have health issues. In fact, some may even need additional assistance with managing whatever ailments they’re facing, and that’s where things can begin to get stressful. For most of us, our parents were our childhood caretakers. They played the most important role in shaping us into the adults that we have become, and we want to return the favor to them when they can no longer take care of themselves.
When that time comes, there is so much to consider that it quickly grows overwhelming. To help simplify the process as much as we can, here are the biggest tips you should remember if you need to decide when it's time to get assistance for taking care of your elderly parents.
Before making major healthcare decisions, you need an accurate, up-to-date picture of your parents’ physical and cognitive health. Schedule a full physical exam with a trusted primary care physician who can evaluate their current medical needs and help guide your family forward.
“A comprehensive medical assessment is essential because caregiving needs are rarely static. They evolve over time,” says SouthCoast Health Internal Medicine Physician Dr. Zac Doegg. “Sitting down with an internal medicine provider allows families to evaluate chronic conditions, mobility, and medication management in one place. Having those objective medical insights gives adult children the clarity and confidence they need to make informed care decisions for their parents.”
While you’re making this major decision, it’s important to keep everyone who is involved in the know and to voice out all the details you are considering. This is especially true for your parents. Sit down to have a good, honest talk with them to discover what they’re thinking, to ask them how they’re feeling, and to get their opinions on what next steps they would like to see.
That way you will also include them in the decision-making process, make them feel better throughout the stressful situation, and give yourself more confidence through every step of the way.
Just as important as including your parents in the conversation is including yourself. It’s vital to consider what you can handle, how you will balance taking care of your parents, and also how you will take care of yourself through the process. While you’re deciding, make sure to schedule ample time to reflect on what you’re feeling and your thoughts on the process.
If you don’t think through these questions, you will more likely run into burn-out and frustrating emotions during the entire decision-making affair.
Taking care of your parents will take money. There’s no way around that. You will need to work through exactly how much your final decision will cost and what your finances can manage. Make sure to explore how much your insurance, along with your parents, can help to cover.
If you don’t think through this, it will be easy to end up over-spending and find yourself in debt.
Whether you need a baseline physical or guidance on managing your partners' longterm health, Dr. Zac Doegg and the SouthCoast Health primary care department are here to help. Call 912.691.3600 or schedule an appointment today.
Whether you are looking for a primary care doctor or a pediatrician, or another medical specialist, SouthCoast Health has you covered with its wide range of world-class healthcare services, available throughout the Coastal Empire and Lowcountry. Founded in 1996, SouthCoast Health has 120 physicians and medical professionals in 16 locations in Savannah, Richmond Hill, Pooler, Rincon, Baxley, Hilton Head, Hinesville, and Statesboro. SouthCoast Health offers comprehensive medical services including: Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Allergy and Asthma, Cardiology, Endocrinology, Eye Care, Imaging, Infectious Diseases, Nephrology, Neurology, Physical Therapy, Podiatry, Surgery, Clinical Trial Research Studies, Diabetic Self-Management Training Sessions, Dietetic Counseling, Laboratory Services, Massage Therapy, Optical Shop, Pharmacy, and Urgent Care.
SouthCoast Health has 120 physicians and medical professionals in 18 locations in Savannah, Richmond Hill, Pooler, Rincon, Baxley, Hinesville, and Statesboro.
