Page 15 - Demo

Answering the question about which your aging adult would prefer can be helpful in making a decision. Household management and safety can present a health risk if the aging adult is unable to keep up with these tasks. It may be more than physical health but may also impact mental and emotional health as well because of the impact on the interior and exterior maintenance of the home. If the aging adult is having difficulty with this or other activities then a move to a senior community might be exactly what they need. The benefit means no more snow shoveling, changing light bulbs, or making sure the roof is in good repair; think of the mental lift that might be. Conversely, hiring someone to come into the home, or to meet the needs outside the home can be accomplished as well. It can be cost prohibitive but programs may be available through your area senior millage, Community Action, or possibly a service offered through an area church. Transportation may also be a part of the challenge. Transportation options abound in our region from services supported by an area senior millage to private-pay options. An adult day care program, independent, assisted living community, or even a PACE or waiver program, may be able to help support that planning. This could also include medication management. Staff can also help to keep family members in the loop of information if requested by the resident. To the aging adult I would ask...If you have noticed that household tasks are becoming more challenging, or possibly scary, consider asking friends, family members, or neighbors if they are noticing changes? Have you heard comments about physical health, mental responses, or even the caregiver%u2019s? Listen to those words without feeling insult; most likely they did not intend it as an attack or to hurt you, but rather out of concern. Are they suggesting that changes may be needed? Be openminded. It may not necessarily mean a move, but quite possibly changes need to be made in the home, services brought into the home, or even a potential downsizing. Resources are key. Which leads to consulting a physician. When a concern has been presented, schedule a visit with your health care provider. Share your concerns and ask for their insight. They may suggest a change in housing or new support in the home. No matter the outcome, your physician%u2019s recommendation can help you to make necessary changes. Do you need someone to help coordinate your care, both inside and outside of the home? Your health care visit will be helpful in making your decision about the best care-delivery options for you. Sometimes the decision needs to be made because caregivers are exhausted, or overwhelmed, and it%u2019s time to acknowledge that their health is valuable too. When overstressed, the relationship between care receiver and care provider can become strained as well. There are transitional options such as in-home care, adult day care, or other community programs, but there comes a point in time when full-time oversight becomes a need. Sadly, more than half of caregivers experience the onset of chronic conditions, due in part to neglect of personal health needs. When persistent health problems begin to arise for the caregiver it is a signal that it%u2019s time for another care solution, possibly assisted living, for the care receiver.Before making any decisions, it%u2019s necessary to find out how much help your older adult needs and compare that with how much help is already available. In some cases, looking at this list may make it obvious that in-home care will work best. In other cases, a move to an independent community or an assisted living facility might be the clear choice.Turn to the descriptions about care options starting on page 6 to learn more. Nearby listings begin on page 16 to find options for care. If cost becomes the prohibitive factor, turn to page 30 to learn more about covering costs for care. For a list of other resources visit page 40.If you are currently living on your own, without a spouse or partner, the challenges faced in the home become even more important to address as quickly as possible.SENIOR HOUSING DIRECTORY | 202615