Senior Q & A
Q & A: Answers to Common Senior Living Questions
Q. Why is a Power of Attorney (POA) Important?
A. Having a power of attorney can be more important to your personal well-being than a will.
The power of attorney allows you to pick someone you trust to handle your affairs if you cannot do so yourself. It gives you peace of mind, reassuring you that in an emergency, someone you choose will have the authority to act for you. If you don't have a power of attorney and you are suddenly incapacitated, your family may have to go through an expensive and time-consuming court action to appoint a guardian or conservator to make decisions for you.
Q. Where might I buy a rollator or walker for myself while on a budget?
A. If you’re on Medicare with supplemental insurance, check with your doctor about getting a prescription, then visit a medical supply store or a pharmacy store. There may be no cost to you. You can also check Craigslist.com or garage sales to find a used walker at a great price. Note: be sure to measure the doorways of your home to make sure the walker will fit through easily.
Q. What items should I bring when I move my parent into assisted living?
A. Be sure to ask a specialist at the assisted living facility where your parent is moving. That way you won’t duplicate items or forget anything. But generally speaking, you’ll want to bring daily personal hygiene supplies, such as soap, toothpaste, shampoo and shaving needs and items that will keep the resident comfortable, such as their favorite chair, reading materials, and hobby materials. And, of course, clothes and bathing towels are a necessity. You might also consider favorite photographs, a TV, a radio, and items from home that are familiar to your parent; office supplies for mailing cards and bills; and Clorox disinfecting wipes for helping keep surface areas clean.
Q. Where can I find a senior living residence for my mother who’s been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease?
A. If you’re a caregiver for a loved one who’s suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, there are a great number of senior living options available to help, including senior residences with Alzheimer’s specialty services. To begin your search for senior living residences, visit alternativesforseniors.com. There you can easily find a senior apartment, independent-living, assisted-living, or other continuing-care community where seniors with Alzheimer’s can remain safe and in great care. You can also call a Senior Specialist at Alternatives for Seniors at (888) WE-ASSIST (888-932-7747) to ask questions and receive free placement assistance.
Blog Date: Wednesday July 2, 2014
Writer: Ryan Allen