In an AARP survey of senior concerns, it was found that:
46%
Feared Declining Health
38%
Feared not having enough money
13%
Feared losing their mental capacity
12%
Feared becoming dependent on others
It is important to take a pro-active approach to map out a clear and effective “Plan for Care”.
This process will help in-an-effort to avoid unnecessary stress and financial concerns down the road. You would rather make choices when not under undue stress. Your loved one would rather be able to have input in the decisions. Open discussions will be necessary with everyone that will be involved in your care.
Most seniors are healthy and function at a high level. It is inevitable that as they grow older, issues will surface related to their independence. Eldercare can involve many aspects of life such as healthcare, activities of
daily living, transportation, finances, social, and emotional well-being. To ensure the highest quality of life for the longest time possible, it is crucial that elders and their loved ones begin before you are in a crisis.
- Where do you begin?
- What is the care need you are concerned about?
- Basic activities of daily living (ADLs) – focus on daily self-care activities(i.e. eating, dressing, bathing, using the toilet).
- Instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) – focus on activities that enable a person to live independently in their home(i.e. shopping, cooking, taking medication, managing finances, using a telephone).
- Advanced activities of daily living – focus on more independent activities(i.e. driving, travel, gardening)