Every August 21, the U.S. honors its older residents with National Senior Citizens Day. In the U.S., about 56 million people are age 65 and older.
The older population in the U.S. continues to grow. The Baby Boomers were born between 1946-64. People of Generation X were born between 1965-80.
As we commemorate National Senior Citizens Day, it’s a perfect time for what can be a tough conversation with your senior loved one — the important life questions. The questions generally revolve around these topics:
- Life
- Health
- Care
- Home
Your goal will be to have a conversation or conversations over time that answer questions about care. Take a measured, loving approach when you talk to your senior loved one.
Stay patient. Be ready to persevere. Keep in mind your common goal.
The Questions About Home
Your senior loved one’s living situation should be one of the first topics of discussion.
This is a list of sample questions to help guide your conversation.
—If you are no longer able to stay in your home, where would you like to live?
—Are there safety hazards if you want to stay in your home? Or does it need modifications?
—Are you comfortable going up and down stairs if you have them in your house?
—Do you need help in your daily living environment?
—Do you need help with regular household chores?
Keep in mind that a community such as Bellaire at Stone Port provides a safe, healthy environment for loved ones.
Key Questions for Health
The questions about health are important because you want your senior loved one to have a healthy, fulfilling life in their twilight years.
—What kind of health insurance coverage do you have?
—Does your health insurance cover your medical expenses or do you need supplemental coverage?
—What are your health issues?
—Are there health issues you may be concerned about in the future?
—Do you see your doctor regularly?
—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?
Top Questions for Finances
Finding out about your senior loved one’s financial situation is also important not just for their life now, but for planning for their future also.
—Do you have a will?
—If not, 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?
—Do you have an accountant or a financial advisor?
—Where are your important documents?
—Do have passwords written down for online accounts? If so, where are they?
—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 Bellaire at Stone Port 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 Bellaire at Stone Port, 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!