August brings National Senior Citizens Day, when we recognize the achievements of the older generation. About 56 million people are age 65 and older in the U.S., a number that continues to grow as the Baby Boomer generation (born between 1946-64 and Generation X (born between 1965-80) ages.
While National Senior Citizens Day is on August 21, now is a good time to ask your senior loved ones important life questions. These are important questions that revolve around life, health, care, and home.
The goal is to have a conversation or conversations that answer questions about senior loved ones’ care. Taking a measured, loving approach to these conversations can help you have a productive end result.
Questions Around Home
One of the first topics can be about their living situation. Here’s a list of questions to ask about your loved one’s living situation.
—If you are no longer able to stay in your home, where would you like to live?
—If you want to stay in your home, are there safety hazards, or does it need modifications?
—If there are stairs, are you comfortable going up and down them?
—Do you need help in your daily living, or in taking care of any regular household chores?
Keep in mind that a community such as Regency at Augusta Assisted Living provides a safe, healthy environment for loved ones.
Questions About Health
These questions are vital to ensure your loved one enjoys a healthy, fulfilling time in their twilight years.
—What kind of health insurance coverage do you have and does it cover your medical expenses?
—Do you have health issues now or are there ones you may be concerned about in the future?
—Do you see your doctor regularly and do you have prescription medicines?
—Do you need ongoing health care assistance now? Do you expect to need ongoing healthcare assistance in the future?
—Have you had your vision and hearing checked recently?
—Are you able to drive?
Questions About Finances
These questions revolve around your loved one’s financial situation and what kind of planning they’ve done for their future.
—Do you have a will or do you need to meet with an attorney and write one up to make sure your wishes are honored?
—Do you have a durable power of attorney?
—How is your financial situation and do you have an accountant or a financial advisor?
—Where are your important documents?
—Do have passwords written down for online accounts and where do you keep them?
—Have you accounted for your future financial needs and paying for your insurance, medical bills, ongoing health care, and medications?
A CARING-FIRST ENVIRONMENT
Senior living communities like Regency at Augusta are precisely that – a community. Residents become friends and even family, and a caring team is there to help them maintain their quality of life.
At Regency at Augusta, we offer both Assisted Living and Memory Care and we care with Honesty, Excellence, Accountability, Residents first and Teamwork. We like to call it Caring with H.E.A.R.T.™!
If you believe a senior living community would benefit your loved one, get in touch with us. Schedule a visit or download a brochure today!