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Who are you caring for?
Which best describes their mobility?
How well are they maintaining their hygiene?
How are they managing their medications?
Does their living environment pose any safety concerns?
Fall risks, spoiled food, or other threats to wellbeing
Are they experiencing any memory loss?
Which best describes your loved one's social life?
Acknowledgment of Disclosures and Authorization
By proceeding, I agree that I understand the following disclosures:
I. How We Work in Washington. Based on your preferences, we provide you with information about one or more of our contracted senior living providers ("Participating Communities") and provide your Senior Living Care Information to Participating Communities. The Participating Communities may contact you directly regarding their services. APFM does not endorse or recommend any provider. It is your sole responsibility to select the appropriate care for yourself or your loved one. We work with both you and the Participating Communities in your search. We do not permit our Advisors to have an ownership interest in Participating Communities.
II. How We Are Paid. We do not charge you any fee – we are paid by the Participating Communities. Some Participating Communities pay us a percentage of the first month's standard rate for the rent and care services you select. We invoice these fees after the senior moves in.
III. When We Tour. APFM tours certain Participating Communities in Washington (typically more in metropolitan areas than in rural areas.) During the 12 month period prior to December 31, 2017, we toured 86.2% of Participating Communities with capacity for 20 or more residents.
IV. No Obligation or Commitment. You have no obligation to use or to continue to use our services. Because you pay no fee to us, you will never need to ask for a refund.
V. Complaints. Please contact our Family Feedback Line at (866) 584-7340 or ConsumerFeedback@aplaceformom.com to report any complaint. Consumers have many avenues to address a dispute with any referral service company, including the right to file a complaint with the Attorney General's office at: Consumer Protection Division, 800 5th Avenue, Ste. 2000, Seattle, 98104 or 800-551-4636.
VI. No Waiver of Your Rights. APFM does not (and may not) require or even ask consumers seeking senior housing or care services in Washington State to sign waivers of liability for losses of personal property or injury or to sign waivers of any rights established under law.I agree that: A.I authorize A Place For Mom ("APFM") to collect certain personal and contact detail information, as well as relevant health care information about me or from me about the senior family member or relative I am assisting ("Senior Living Care Information"). B.APFM may provide information to me electronically. My electronic signature on agreements and documents has the same effect as if I signed them in ink. C.APFM may send all communications to me electronically via e-mail or by access to an APFM web site. D.If I want a paper copy, I can print a copy of the Disclosures or download the Disclosures for my records. E.This E-Sign Acknowledgement and Authorization applies to these Disclosures and all future Disclosures related to APFM's services, unless I revoke my authorization. You may revoke this authorization in writing at any time (except where we have already disclosed information before receiving your revocation.) This authorization will expire after one year. F.You consent to APFM's reaching out to you using a phone system than can auto-dial numbers (we miss rotary phones, too!), but this consent is not required to use our service.
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I consent to the collection of my consumer health data.*
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I consent to the sharing of my consumer health data with qualified home care agencies.*
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Mostly Independent
Your loved one may not require home care or assisted living services at this time. However, continue to monitor their condition for changes and consider occasional in-home care services for help as needed.
Remember, this assessment is not a substitute for professional advice.
Share a few details and we will match you to trusted home care in your area:
Although I have problems remembering names at the independent living community where I live, I am otherise clear-headed. Should I expect that to change as I age?
Having memory issues or staying “clear headed” varies just as anything else does. Younger people can be handed the sadness of dementia and others can live long lives without it ever touching them. Congratulations on doing so well thus far. Keeping active and challenging yourself with activities you enjoy will be a big help toward keeping you going
Sunny, your profile says you have hearing loss... do you use hearing aids? If not I highly recommend you invest in them. Hearing loss can be very isolating, and you have no idea what you're missing until your hearing gets corrected. If you already have hearing aids, that's one thing off your checklist.
Also, we have less control over cognitive decline than we'd like to believe. Some forms are inherited and totally unavoidable, no matter how carefully we live. Some is caused by strokes (TIAs), which no one can predict. How do you know you are "clear headed"? Did you have any testing done? An objective medical opinion (and baseline measurement) will tell the accurate story. Medicare covers an annual wellness exam every year so there's no excuse to not get tested. If you've done this (and continue to do it), then another item is checked off.
Does your IL community have a continuum of care so that you can easily transition from one level of care to the next? Are most of your bills on AutoPay? Etc.
Finally, do you have all your legal ducks in a row? All the legal protections and pre-made decisions for when things get tougher? Do you have a PoA assigned (younger, local, reliable, willing)? An Advance Healthcare Directive? A Pre-need Guardian choice? A Last Will? Or a trust?
The most important piece is finding a PoA for yourself.
SUNNYSHULKIN: Perhaps no mortal person can hazard a guess to one's future self. Taking care of yourself and staying on top of health issues is paramount.
I'm 87+ and still think clearly (IMO). I hope that doesn't change, but I realize that it could if I get much older. I maintain the household for myself and my 94 Y/O husband, grocery shop, water the plants, pay bills--the usual stuff. It sometimes takes me a few minutes to recall a specific name or event, but I usually can. (Google is a great resource when I just can't summon the info.) I follow current events and read a lot. I had to give up volunteering at a cat rescue/rehoming organization due to physical infirmity, and I miss it.
Aging is individual. I know 2 men who lived to 102 and lived alone almost to the end. A Church Lady who lived in an upstairs apartment who was driving and still active at 93 when she passed. Her daughter found her in her apt. I think its mind over matter.
Some people complain about every ache and pain and are unhappy because of expectations. Others, you have no idea the pain they are in, they have no expectations so are happy with what comes their way.
I don't do change well. Eventually, I am OK. I am 74 my husband 77. Two single daughters 38 and 46. At 85 they will be in their 50s. I so hope our health is still good at 85 and 88 but life happens. I hope we have invested enough to afford an AL. Because I do not want my girls caring for us. Be there for us yes, care for us no. I am already in the mindset that we eventually will need to move. No, aging in place or we want to keep Mom. in her home as long as possible. Its all attitude.
By the way at 74 I forget names. I do better writing them down. I remember them better.
My mother is 99 with advanced dementia. One of her best friends (same age) is sharp as ever! Tremendous memory, ideas and insights. I’m sure we’ll all fall somewhere between those two extremes.
Simplify, plan ahead and get your ducks in a row. Just in case.
The day before my mom died, at age 92, she did the NYT crossword puzzle. Did the anagram puzzle and balanced her checkbook. Took a shower and did her hair. Chatted with my niece and her hubby who were in town. ate a good dinner. To all who say her that day (and in the weeks before) said she was chipper as ever and looking forward to seeing this niece, who lives 1000 miles away.
She got up the next morning, and we guess, decided to go back to bed. She laid down and quietly died.
Sometimes her thinking was a little skewed, but, criminy, she had SO MANY people in her life. She wasn't as sharp as she was in her 50's or 60's--but she kept 'all her marbles'.
She kept busy and took the good with the bad. Nobody knows how we'll age--and the forgetfulness? I can't remember the names of all the people I've met. That's just showing you've led a full life, when you have people you can 'forget' but still 'know'. I get away with that by calling people "Honey".
My dad was ninety-three when he died. He was a deacon in the church and had weekly bible studies. His mind was clear as a bell until the cancer took over during his last months.
Our family dynamics had changed, but in spite of everything that happened, I do miss him. I guess it shows more than I am willing to let on. I'm an old lady myself now and if I had it to do all over again, I would not have been so combative with them at times even though his wife was a scheming piece of work. He went along with her plans and separated the family because of it. He really needed her because he could not take care of himself after mom died. If there was anyone I would have wanted for a stepmom, I would have preferred one of the teachers from his vocational school where he taught.
By proceeding, I agree that I understand the following disclosures:
I. How We Work in Washington.
Based on your preferences, we provide you with information about one or more of our contracted senior living providers ("Participating Communities") and provide your Senior Living Care Information to Participating Communities. The Participating Communities may contact you directly regarding their services.
APFM does not endorse or recommend any provider. It is your sole responsibility to select the appropriate care for yourself or your loved one. We work with both you and the Participating Communities in your search. We do not permit our Advisors to have an ownership interest in Participating Communities.
II. How We Are Paid.
We do not charge you any fee – we are paid by the Participating Communities. Some Participating Communities pay us a percentage of the first month's standard rate for the rent and care services you select. We invoice these fees after the senior moves in.
III. When We Tour.
APFM tours certain Participating Communities in Washington (typically more in metropolitan areas than in rural areas.) During the 12 month period prior to December 31, 2017, we toured 86.2% of Participating Communities with capacity for 20 or more residents.
IV. No Obligation or Commitment.
You have no obligation to use or to continue to use our services. Because you pay no fee to us, you will never need to ask for a refund.
V. Complaints.
Please contact our Family Feedback Line at (866) 584-7340 or ConsumerFeedback@aplaceformom.com to report any complaint. Consumers have many avenues to address a dispute with any referral service company, including the right to file a complaint with the Attorney General's office at: Consumer Protection Division, 800 5th Avenue, Ste. 2000, Seattle, 98104 or 800-551-4636.
VI. No Waiver of Your Rights.
APFM does not (and may not) require or even ask consumers seeking senior housing or care services in Washington State to sign waivers of liability for losses of personal property or injury or to sign waivers of any rights established under law.
I agree that:
A.
I authorize A Place For Mom ("APFM") to collect certain personal and contact detail information, as well as relevant health care information about me or from me about the senior family member or relative I am assisting ("Senior Living Care Information").
B.
APFM may provide information to me electronically. My electronic signature on agreements and documents has the same effect as if I signed them in ink.
C.
APFM may send all communications to me electronically via e-mail or by access to an APFM web site.
D.
If I want a paper copy, I can print a copy of the Disclosures or download the Disclosures for my records.
E.
This E-Sign Acknowledgement and Authorization applies to these Disclosures and all future Disclosures related to APFM's services, unless I revoke my authorization. You may revoke this authorization in writing at any time (except where we have already disclosed information before receiving your revocation.) This authorization will expire after one year.
F.
You consent to APFM's reaching out to you using a phone system than can auto-dial numbers (we miss rotary phones, too!), but this consent is not required to use our service.
If you know what I mean?
Good luck to you!
When the young things see us as 'invisible', a 'cute little thing' or a 'bossy ornery old thing'.
Stand & fight against this prejudice against old age I say!
Also, we have less control over cognitive decline than we'd like to believe. Some forms are inherited and totally unavoidable, no matter how carefully we live. Some is caused by strokes (TIAs), which no one can predict. How do you know you are "clear headed"? Did you have any testing done? An objective medical opinion (and baseline measurement) will tell the accurate story. Medicare covers an annual wellness exam every year so there's no excuse to not get tested. If you've done this (and continue to do it), then another item is checked off.
Does your IL community have a continuum of care so that you can easily transition from one level of care to the next? Are most of your bills on AutoPay? Etc.
Finally, do you have all your legal ducks in a row? All the legal protections and pre-made decisions for when things get tougher? Do you have a PoA assigned (younger, local, reliable, willing)? An Advance Healthcare Directive? A Pre-need Guardian choice? A Last Will? Or a trust?
The most important piece is finding a PoA for yourself.
Unfortunately, no one on a forum knows the answer to your question.
I wish we could prevent all problems that go along with aging. Sadly, we can’t.
All you can do is to keep up with doctor appointments and be completely honest about your situation.
Express any concerns you have with your doctor. They can assess your situation by doing further testing.
Pay attention to what others see. They may see things differently than you do.
Some people complain about every ache and pain and are unhappy because of expectations. Others, you have no idea the pain they are in, they have no expectations so are happy with what comes their way.
I don't do change well. Eventually, I am OK. I am 74 my husband 77. Two single daughters 38 and 46. At 85 they will be in their 50s. I so hope our health is still good at 85 and 88 but life happens. I hope we have invested enough to afford an AL. Because I do not want my girls caring for us. Be there for us yes, care for us no. I am already in the mindset that we eventually will need to move. No, aging in place or we want to keep Mom. in her home as long as possible. Its all attitude.
By the way at 74 I forget names. I do better writing them down. I remember them better.
Simplify, plan ahead and get your ducks in a row. Just in case.
I had a cousin (she died not long ago) who lived to be 101, who was extremely sharp and very active!
She got up the next morning, and we guess, decided to go back to bed. She laid down and quietly died.
Sometimes her thinking was a little skewed, but, criminy, she had SO MANY people in her life. She wasn't as sharp as she was in her 50's or 60's--but she kept 'all her marbles'.
She kept busy and took the good with the bad. Nobody knows how we'll age--and the forgetfulness? I can't remember the names of all the people I've met. That's just showing you've led a full life, when you have people you can 'forget' but still 'know'. I get away with that by calling people "Honey".
Our family dynamics had changed, but in spite of everything that happened, I do miss him. I guess it shows more than I am willing to let on. I'm an old lady myself now and if I had it to do all over again, I would not have been so combative with them at times even though his wife was a scheming piece of work. He went along with her plans and separated the family because of it. He really needed her because he could not take care of himself after mom died. If there was anyone I would have wanted for a stepmom, I would have preferred one of the teachers from his vocational school where he taught.