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It’s especially concerning as the senior population is growing and the Baby Boomer generation ages, said Maureen Fagans, executive director and CEO of USS. The demand for service has already grown in recent years, she said.
“People should make plans while they are able to,” Fagans said. “They should be looking in their 40s and 50s.”
Planning for future health concerns is particularly important.
“If you live to an old age you’ll likely have a condition or circumstance that is limiting – eyesight, hearing, mobility or something else,” Fagans said. “About 95 percent of people will face this.”
Long-term care insurance is an option, but can be costly.
USS conducts seminars on how people can protect themselves, but Fagans said attendance is usually light.
She recommends a few things people can do, including preparing a simple will, naming a financial power of attorney and protecting assets. USS has forms available to start those processes.
Another concern is those being victimized through financial scams. Fagans said money is rarely recovered in those cases, but USS staff is there to help those affected.
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“We’re not just a place to get healthy,” she said. “Our mission is to support Clark County senior citizens to remain active, involved and independent.”
For more information on United Senior Service’s resources, residents can go to http://unitedseniorservices.org.
Tami Clark, volunteer specialist with Community Mercy Hospice, also sees the need for early action.
“If you’ve got an opportunity to do these things, do it. If a person can make decisions and speak for themselves, why wait until you’re not able to,” Clark said.
Having a medical and living will in place can prevent problems in the future, she said.
“A family with no advance directive can lead to family feuds,” Clark said. “If they have those they have to be honored and can help in a crisis.”
Clark also says talking to some funeral providers can lock in services at today’s prices. Residents should also plan ahead if they want their body to be donated to science.
Home Instead Senior Care, a national home care services provider, launched a program in March titled “Compose Your Life Song,” a free online program providing tips and resources.
“These are tools that can start the conversation,” said Jodi George, owner and operator of the Springfield-based Home Instead franchise. “People are living so much longer and if you can get a start it will be better for everyone involved.”
George said the Life Song page is free and people don’t need any affiliation with Home Instead to use it. It explores what types of options someone would be most interested in, from home care to long-term care facilities, for example.
She even took the site’s quiz herself.
“We have a responsibility to our older generation and there’s a high percentage of elderly in our area,” George said. “It gives me hope when families call in and take such an interest.”
Residents can explore the Life Song page at www.caregiverstress.com/end-of-life-planning/compose-life-song.
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