How Do We Talk About Long Term Care

Author

VOA - Senior CommUnity Care - Western Colorado's PACE Provider

Posted on

Dec 01, 2011

Book/Edition

Colorado - Western Slope

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The silver tsunami is coming our way; the best way to avoid being swept away is to plan now for the life you want when the issues of aging require lifestyle changes. Does your family know what your healthcare wishes are, do you have a durable medical power of attorney in place? Have you appointed a trusted family member, friend or legal representative to manage things for you if you are not able to? If you have long term care insurance policies does that person know where to find the information? Regardless of age we should all have these tough conversations with the people we love. If you are over the age of 60 these discussions are of critical importance to ensure that the people who care about you know what arrangements you have already made and what your wishes are when other decisions need to be made. Here are some discussion points to consider.
Talk About it-there are more options for care than there have ever been. Discuss the different types of care, services and facilities.
Making life easier one step at a time-maybe it is time to hire a lawn service to help with yard work and snow removal, that will open the door to having someone come in a couple times a year for some deep cleaning of the home. Once you realize how much easier and safer this can make your life you may be ready to consider more regular assistance.
Know the options before you need them-plan a visit to area senior daycare centers, assisted living and long term care facilities. They will usually invite you to stay for lunch; this is a great time to visit with the residents. Ask lots of questions and let them know that you are just looking and will not be making a decision right away. If you are really interested in a facility ask about a respite stay so you have an opportunity to see if it is a good fit for you before you make a longer term commitment. Seek answers and use every resource you can to learn more about the options.
Editors Note: This article was submitted Eva Veitch, Regional Director of Outreach

Volunteers of America. For more information she can be reached at eveitch@voa.org

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