From Life to Light
A Lifestyle Adjustment for Aging Family Members
1. Determine where the primary sources of money come from (i.e. Medicare, Medicaid, Insurance, Retirement, Savings, etc.) 2. Make sure that reading glasses, vision glasses or contact prescription is up to date (implement magnifying glasses and large print if necessary.) This is important because more sedentary people should have the ability of doing reading exercises, watching television, enjoying literature, playing puzzle games, seeing phone text, among other things that require sharp vision- especially when mobility is difficult. 3. Verify that dental implants, dentures and caps/fillings are functional 4. Check hearing devices and volume extents on all audio-visual equipment 5. Clean house and purge unneeded items. What paperwork can be digitized and what needs to be stored? Manage dust and second hand smoke indoors 6. Create major living spaces in accessible areas without many stairs 7. Determine healthy food delivery services or a meal preparation routine to accommodate diet restrictions 8. Set up a visiting schedule (who comes on which days per week?) for family, friends, and care-givers 9. Who will cook, clean, manage hygiene (teeth, hair, nails, bath, toilet, etc), do laundry, and lead rehabilitation exercises? Check with healthcare providers for reference
10. What are the means of transportation for doctor's appointments? What are the means of transportation for recreation? Do automobiles need to be retrofitted to cater to the aging individual?
11. Introduce a ramp for multi-story housing if a wheelchair is the primary transportation method when leaving home. Also, a cane or walker with traction is desirable for in-home safety. Remove tripping hazards like sliding rugs or other pathway obstructions. 12. Will family gatherings need to happen in the area of the elderly family member to ensure his/her participation? Celebrate birthdays with intention as less may occur in the future and the future is not promised. 13. Will the family-member live in the current home long term? If so, what interior and exterior retrofitting is necessary? If relocation happens, who will purchase the existing property and how much is it worth? Who will purchase the new property and how much would it cost? Where is a safe, affordable, accessible and desirable new home location and when would moving take place?
14. Should the family-member rotate residences to remain with family members but get a variety of attention from different relatives throughout the year?
15. Are there bucket-list items that needs to be fulfilled?
16. Are roommates, group homes, retirement facilities, in-laws quarters or vacation homes an option? 17. What is the life insurance and savings information for eventual funeral costs? Is there a will in place and what wealth is present in the estate?
18. How would the family-member like to be remembered after passing? Is there a scripture, song, poem, photo, coffin, head-stone, or other "touch" that should be identified in advance to correctly honor the person? Write down a life story and biography in advance to make sure that the important details are known.
19. Which family members have a strong opinion or say in the matters of the aging individual?