Aging In Place
Aging is a Team Sport! Even though it may seem counter intuitive, building your community of support is essential to maintaining independence and dignity throughout aging. The best way to be surrounded by loved ones at the end of life is by having a coordinated team approach during life. According to Dr. Robert Waldinger, Harvard’s Professor with the longest running scientific study on adult life, meaningful relationships are directly related to happiness and longevity. People with strong connections to family, friends, and community live longer, healthier lives. Good relationships reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and cognitive health. Golden Agreements is available to you and your family to build a blueprint for success with the family relationships of support, but there are many resources available to help in other ways as well.
Enlisting Help
Start early: Begin exploring resources before a crisis occurs.
Assess needs: Determine your/aging parent/loved one's specific needs and preferences.
Build a support network: Connect with family, friends, and community resources.
Seek professional help: Don't hesitate to consult with healthcare professionals, legal experts, and financial advisors.
Remember to take care of yourself as a caregiver.
Government and Non Profit Organizations: click name to link to site
Provide information, referrals, and services for older adults and their caregivers.
Offer assistance with home care, transportation, meals, and other needs.
A national public service that connects older adults and their families with local resources.
Provides information on a wide range of services, including home care, transportation, and legal assistance.
The National Council on Aging (NCOA)
Offers programs and resources to help older adults age well.
Provides information on benefits, health, and caregiving.
Provides support and resources for families affected by Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.
Offers education, support groups, and care consultations.
Provides support and education for those dealing with Parkinson's disease.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
Offers resources and support for elderly veterans and their families.
Provides assistance with home care, medical care, and financial benefits.
Delivers nutritious meals to homebound seniors.
Provides social interaction and a safety check.
RHIHub (Rural Health Information)
Provides information for aging in Rural Areas
Healthcare Services
Search your local directories for some of these services as you need them.
Home Health Agencies
Provide skilled nursing care, physical therapy, and other medical services in the home.
Hospice Care
Provides comfort and support for individuals with terminal illnesses and their families.
Offers medical, emotional, and spiritual support.
Geriatricians
Physicians specializing in the care of older adults.
Can provide comprehensive medical assessments and develop care plans.
Home Care Aides (see chart above)
Provide assistance with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, and meal preparation.
Visiting Nurses
Provide medical services in the home.
Community and Social Support
Search your local directories for some of these services as you need them.
Senior Centers:
Offer social activities, meals, and educational programs for older adults.
Provide opportunities for social interaction and engagement.
Support Groups:
Provide emotional support and practical advice for caregivers.
Offer a safe space to share experiences and connect with others.
Respite Care:
Provides temporary relief for caregivers.
Allows caregivers to take breaks and recharge.
Adult Day Care Centers:
Provide supervised care and social activities for older adults during the day.
Offer a safe and stimulating environment.
Transportation Services:
Provide rides to medical appointments, errands, and social activities.
Online Senior Community Groups
AARP Online Community: A large and active forum covering a wide range of topics relevant to older adults, including health, finances, relationships, and hobbies.
SeniorNet: Focuses on providing seniors with computer and internet education, and also offers online forums and discussions.
ElderChat: A chat room and forum for seniors to connect with each other, share experiences, and discuss various topics.
Seniors Meetup Group: While Meetup has groups for various interests, many cater specifically to seniors, both online and offline.
Facebook Groups: Many specific groups cater to seniors based on location, interests, or specific health conditions.
Golden Agreements seeks to build harmony and a unified vision among family members/loved ones, and professional support, for the aging process. By facilitating difficult discussions, and helping the Golden Client (you, your aging parent, your loved one, etc) make important decisions based on values and priorites, families can set expectations and honor independence and dignity with love. This information should be used in conjunction with the advice of lawyers, doctors, and other professionals who are familiar with your individual needs.