Communication
The first step is talking about possibilities. Many families find it difficult to discuss issues related to aging or think about the care that may be necessary if an illness arises in later life. Sharing your thoughts about important decisions people face as they age is something that should be discussed openly among your family members and your physician. You should discuss the alternatives that you would like to see fall into place should you be unable to make your desires known later on. These concerns could include: where you would choose (or where you refuse) to live, who you would prefer to care for you, what kind of medical procedures you would rather forgo, and how much financial assistance is available for extensive care if needed.
Awareness
A few diseases and conditions which often occur in later life, although they are not a normal part of aging, include adult onset diabetes, Alzheimer's Disease, arthritis, cancer, cataracts, dementia, depression, enlarged prostate, glaucoma, heart disease, lung disease, kidney and bladder problems, macular degeneration, osteoporosis, Parkinson's Disease, and vascular disease. Staying informed of medical concerns allows you and your family to better understand what to expect and how conditions can be treated if one of these conditions has either been diagnosed or runs in your family's medical history. There are sources of information and programs you can investigate to learn more about each condition specifically to meet your needs.
Gathering Information and Making Arrangements
An important element in planning for the future is making appropriate arrangements and gathering or organizing relevant information, such as:
Personal records:
Including any birth certificates, marriage certificates, citizenship papers, divorce/separation papers, adoption papers, social security cards, passports, driver licenses, and military records.
Medical records:
Including the names and addresses of physicians, dentists, pharmacists, specialists, case workers or social workers; maintaining a list of prescribed medications, Medicare numbers, and Medicaid numbers; and designating a health care surrogate, creating a living will, establishing a 'do not resuscitate' order, or selecting a hospital(s) and long term care setting of choice.
Financial records:
Including income sources, financial assets (cash, stocks, bonds, bank accounts, mutual funds), tax records, safe deposit boxes, real estate (primary home, vacation home), other assets (boats, inheritances, collectibles, automobiles), and liabilities (mortgages, personal loans, credit cards)
Insurance records:
Including life, health, long term care, dental, disability, automobile, or homeowner insurance policies.
Legal records:
Including wills, powers of attorney, advance medical directives, trusts, estate planning, living wills, and guardianship.
Funeral Arrangements:
Including burial preferences, location, funeral expenses, cemetery expenses, methods of payment, and other financial assistance.
Taking the steps to pursue some of these preparations is often arranged with the help of a professional consultant, such as your physician, financial advisor, lawyer or attorney, banker, accountant, stockbroker, insurance agent, clergy, or funeral director and their services should be selected carefully. Family members and friends should also be involved to the greatest extent possible if they are included in the long term care arrangements.
Having this information readily available will better prepare you and your family to resolve a crisis, should one occur. It is important to remember to keep any documents updated and be certain that the appropriate people have copies or are aware of the location of the most recent written information pertinent to your wishes.
Finding Services and Housing Options in Your Community
It is very beneficial to get to know your community as best you can, including the services that are available or not available for seniors and persons with disabilities. Even if you are looking for services in another state, there are ways to get the information you need. The Eldercare Locator is a toll-free number (1-800-677-1116) that gives you the information you need no matter which state you are interested in exploring.
A good source of information in New Jersey is your local Aging & Disability Resource Connection (ADRC), a single entry system for long-term services and supports for seniors, individuals with disabilities and their caregivers. Call your ADRC toll-free at 1-877-222-3737.
Many local services and programs can be found in your telephone directory as well. Blue pages contain a list of federal, state, and city government offices that may provide information. When looking under the Yellow pages, businesses and non-profit organizations can be found under different categories -- whether it is:
'Health Organizations' or 'Rehabilitation Services', for adult day care programs, hospice programs, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, retirement communities, senior citizens centers;
'Home Care', 'Personal Care Homes', or 'Assisted Living', for home health services, visiting nurses, or housing with special care services;
'Elder Care Services' for geriatric care managers, geriatricians, gerontologists, nutritionists, and social workers, or
'Senior Citizens Services' for geriatric assessment programs, and human services.
Another way to find services and programs in your area is by contacting community hospitals, and volunteer or religious organizations that have outreach programs or community service networks.
Housing alternatives are another matter that should be investigated. Remaining in one's own home is often the first choice for many individuals. This can be accomplished with the assistance of in-home services and community programs. If you would rather relocate to a residential facility that offers a group setting yet is not institutional, there are several options, including Assisted Living, Residential Health Care Facilities, Adult Family Care homes, and subsidized senior housing.
| There are different financial and medical eligibility requirements
for these options, and some may have waiting lists. Further,
some options may not be available in your county.
These factors make it important to look into these facilities
before you need the service so you can get a better idea
of which alternatives are best for you. |
There are many good reasons for planning your long term care arrangements
early on; one of the most important being that proper care is
provided in accordance with your wishes. Planning ahead can prove
to be a valuable and worthwhile effort. Long term care planning
helps prepare everyone involved by helping them understand what
arrangements should be put into place to satisfy the person who
is to receive care.
You and your loved ones will probably feel overwhelmed and distressed
if nursing facility or hospital care becomes necessary unexpectedly.
Most likely, if you and your loved ones have planned ahead, you
will be glad that important decisions regarding long term care
do not have to be made at that time. Simply knowing that a long
term care plan has already been discussed and decided upon relieves
the stress already created from responding to an emergency situation.
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