Page 10 - 50+ Guide & Directory -Spring Summer 2019 Web_Neat

might be if your health fails, spouse dies, or caregiver is ignored. The sources of stress can
some other major event occurs. Plan ahead to include no off time, interrupted sleep, having
avoid making a wrong decision in haste. Include little time to oneself, managing familial rela-
your family in the decision-making process so tionships and dealing with the dynamics of role
they are aware of your wishes. reversal of the parent child relationship. Lack of
Examine whether there will be a need for a economic support, extra expenses and reduced
more supportive environment in the near future income from a reduction in working hours can
and determine the costs associated with the life- also create tremendous pressure.
style you wish to have in your later years. The key to reducing stress is to ask for and
Compare both the design, layout and loca- accept help. Find and use caregiving resources
tion of your existing home versus that of a new in your community to give you a break in your
residence. If aging in place, can your existing caregiving duties. Ease the workload with meal
home be renovated to improve accessibility and delivery, home health care services such as nurs-
at what cost? Are family, friends or community ing or physical therapy, housekeeping, cooking
support services available to help with the up- or companionship. Improve accessibility and
keep of your home? If health concerns take top mobility by installing ramps, stair lifts, and mod-
priority, would a retirement or assisted living ified bathtubs. Stay social by keeping in touch
residence with available personal care and sup- with family and friends. Join a support group
port services be a better option? for caregivers that can offer tips, resources and
Whether a smaller home, townhouse or condo support. And take care of your health by getting
seems like the right fit or a retirement residence, regular check ups, restful sleep, eating well and
assisted living facility or long-term care is the keeping physically active. For a list of caregiv-
best choice, it’s important to compare each op- ing resources see page 31 of this guide and visit
tion. www.go50plus.com.
Speak to a real estate agent who is familiar
with selling seniors’ homes. They know the 5. End of Life Care: Will your needs will be
housing market and can suggest the best options met?
for townhomes and condos that are currently on Planning for the last years of life can be a
the market or that will be built soon. They are daunting task. It’s a sensitive topic to discuss.
often connected with other professionals who Many avoid the conversation and don’t make
specialize in seniors’ needs such as lawyers, ap- their end-of- life decisions known to their fami-
praisers, senior move specialists and companies lies. The result is often unmet expectations and
that offer reputable home repair and mainte- family members facing caregiver responsibili-
nance services. ties without training, warning or enough support.
Get a list of retirement residences and seniors’ To avoid the uncertainties surrounding end of
apartments that you are considering and visit life care, it’s best to start planning early while
each one. Many offer tours and complimentary you are able to direct the discussion and provide
lunches. Make sure to take a family member or input into the decision-making process.
friend that will give an objective opinion. The conversation with family members should
Lastly, plan ahead and give yourself time to include not only an overview of will documents
organize and pack what you wish to keep and and funeral arrangements, but how and when the
store, sell, discard or giveaway. This can be start- transition of decision making, care and daily re-
ed even before you make your final decision. sponsibilities will be made and to whom they’ll
Talk to a senior move specialist who is trained be given.
and experienced in relocating seniors. Their ad- Topics may include the management of your
vice and assistance can make moving easier and financial affairs, housing options, the type of
reduce stress. medical care and support you may need as well
To help with your search, information on as the point at which your family should take
downsizing options, senior services and listings charge and step into their caregiving roles.
of retirement homes, long term care facilities, The caregiving plan should be tailored to all
condos and townhomes may be found on-line at family members’ needs and be flexible as each
www.go50plus.com. person’s circumstances change. The goal is to
ensure that you are well cared for in a manner
4. Caregiver Stress: Dealing with the strain that’s sustainable with everyone’s mental, phys-
of caregiving. ical and financial wellness taken into consider-
Caregiver stress can result in burnout and ill- ation.
ness when the physical and mental health of the
50+GD 10