Decisions regarding Elder
Care may be eased with planningDenver, Colorado
"Dad gave us the greatest gift I can think of", said Janet S. after the recent
funeral of her father. The "gift" was not money or property -- it was
information. Janet's father had taken the time to write down the locations of important
documents including his insurance policies, will, social security card, marriage
certificate, and military discharge papers. He described the type of funeral service he
wanted, sparing his family the ordeal of guesswork.
"You can give a priceless gift to the people who will have to
carry on for you in time of crisis by taking the time now to assemble all necessary and
critical information," said Eileen Doherty, Executive Director of Senior Answers and
Services.
Very
frequently older adults and their families do not pay attention or take the time to plan
adequately for the later years. Individuals often find that many times they want to put
off talking about "bad" things with their families, especially when they only
see them once in a while. Others feel "I took care of it for my mother, my kids can
take care of it" for me.
Looking for help as one begins to have a need for making decisions is
always difficult. Many agencies exist to help seniors, however, most of them are very
specialized. Some have very complicated application procedures. Others have specific
eligibility requirements based upon age or residence. Usually families find themselves in
crisis when they start to look for assistance.
Hospitals call and indicate the "insurance benefits are being
terminated and a loved one has to be moved to a nursing home". The housing community
calls and says "mom has to move because she is a danger to herself in this
environment". The health insurance company has canceled benefits because "health
insurance premiums have not been paid and the medical bills have gone to
collections."
These are the types of problems Senior Answers and Services helps older
adults with on a daily basis. To better prepare for some of these major life decisions,
the Senior Resource Guidebook can help older
adults and families to begin to have discussions about the location of important documents
such as the deed to the house, birth certificates, and investments. The Guidebook
also provides blank copies of such documents as a durable power of attorney and a living
will, again giving families an opportunity to make these decisions before a crises
arises.Another feature is a series of check lists that can help consumers purchase long
term care insurance, health maintenance organization insurance coverage, home health and
handyman services, and an attorney. Tips are offered on the types of questions to ask and
information to obtain in making the best decision possible.
There is also a section on community resources - such as home
health agencies, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, independent living facilities,
and health maintenance organizations. The types of services that are provided as well as
the name, address, and phone number of the organization are included.
The new Senior Resource Guidebook contains everything you need. You may
order the guidebook on line, or send $5 for postage and
handling to Senior Answers and Services, 3006 East Colfax, Denver, CO 80206.
Eileen Doherty is the Executive Director of the Colorado Gerontological
Society and Senior Answers and Services. She has worked in the areas of policy, clinical
practice, and education in gerontology for more than 20 years. She can be reached at
303-333-3482.
