Franklin Park® Sonterra 18323 Sonterra Place San Antonio, TX 78258 (210)404-1444
Independent Living
Assisted Living Lic.# 147405
Franklin Park® TPC Parkway 21802 Encino Commons San Antonio, TX 78259 (210)462-1004
Independent Living
Assisted Living - Memory Care Lic.# 146061
Franklin Park® Round Rock 4155 Teravista Club Drive Round Rock, TX 78665 (512)388-6076
Assisted Living - Memory Care Lic.# 147329
Franklin Park® Alamo Heights 230 W. Sunset Road San Antonio, TX 78209 (210)829-5955
Independent Living
Assisted Living - Memory Care Lic.# 148688
The Landing at Stone Oak 19110 Huebner Road San Antonio, TX 78258 (210)479-0155
Memory Care Lic.# 144190
Franklin Park® Boerne 18 Old San Antonio Road Boerne, TX 78006 (830)816-5150
Assisted Living - Memory Care Lic.# 147707
5 REASONS
TO FALL IN LOVE WITH MAPLE RIDGE
1.
2. Caring
3.
4.
5.
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Cedar Ranch at Westover Hills brings the best of Texas home.
As part of the Willow River Senior Living family, we are dedicated to those living with the challenging conditions of an aging brain, providing caring, dedicated staff and a community designed for each person living with memory impairment. Everything we do incorporates our holistic THRIVE approach, based upon world-renowned dementia expert Teepa Snow’s Positive Approach® to memory care.
We honor each of our residents – their past, present, and future – and encourage them to find joy and opportunity in each day.
Content Index
At Merritt Communities, we are here to serve our residents. Since 2014, we have worked tirelessly to build a reputation as a caring, professional, and hand-on management company. Here at Merritt, we take pride in what we do, by providing the best service possible, and it shows through the upmost satisfaction of our residents.
At our independent senior communities, we offer our residents excellency in hospitality, personal attention, and comfort, providing them the ability to create a lifestyle that they both deserve and desire. Luxury living is our specialty. Our motto “Time To Live Life Well” is one we take to heart. Whether you choose to be a social butterfly, or prefer the comfort of solitude, we have you covered. Merritt Communities offers many amenities, from on-site beauty salons, to weekly transportations to stores.
From Leander to Round Rock, or Buda to Schertz, you can find your Merritt moment at any of our 7 communities. No matter what
location you choose, you will find the same level of fantastic customer service at each. Our resident focused team is here and ready to show you what you could be enjoying; from studio apartments all the way up to individual cottages; no matter what size apartment you decide, we are here to help make those 4 walls your home.
Our extensive list of amenities includes minigolf courses for relaxation during the day, garages for your hot rod, pool tables for socializing, business centers for those important emails that just can’t wait, gyms for working those muscles, libraries for working those brains, and much more!
Visit our website at www.merrittcommunities.com to see why it is now “Time To Live Life Well!”
Things to Know
HEALTH
Alzheimer’s Assoc www.alz.org
800-272-3900 Help Line
American Cancer www.cancer.org
512-928-1144 Austin 210-614-4211 San Antonio
American Diabetes www.diabetes.org 800-252-8233
American Heart www.americanheart.org
512-433-4000 Austin 210-614-4121 San Antonio
American Red Cross www.redcross.org
512-928-4271 Austin 210-224-5151 San Antonio 830-257-4677 Kerrville
Arthritis Foundation www.arthritis.org 800-442-6683
Easter Seals www.easterseals.org 800-221-6827
National Parkinson Foundation www.parkinson.org 800-327-4545
FEDERAL & STATE AGENCIES
Area Agency on Aging
512-438-6208 Austin 210-477-3275 San Antonio 254-770-2330 Central Texas
Department of Veteran Affairs Veterans Benefits Administration www.va.gov 800-827-1000 Austin 210-617-5300 San Antonio
Helping the Aging, Needy & Disabled www.handcentraltx.org 512-477-3796
Meals on Wheels
512-476-6325 Austin 210-735-5115 San Antonio
Medicare Health Information Counseling & Advocacy Program 1-800-252-9240
Medicare and Medicaid Services www.cms.hhs.gov 800-633-4227
Texas Department of the Aging and Disability Services www.dads.state.tx.us 1-888-902-9990
Texas State Securities Board (We regulate stockbrokers, investment advisors, and investments sold to Texans) www.ssb.state.tx.us www.TexasInvestorEd.org 512-305-8300 866-663-0009
CONSUMER INFORMATION
Adult Protective Services
800-252-5400
Bexar County Dispute Resolution Center 210-335-2128 www.bexar.org/drc
Commission on Legal Problems of the Elderly American Bar Assoc www.abanet.org/aging
Low Vision Resource Center & Owl Radio www.lowvisionclub.com 210-829-4223
Talking Book Program 800-252-9605 www.tsl.state.tx.us
Texas and New Mexico Hospice Organization 800-580-9270 www.txnmhospice.org
TRANSPORTATION
Jefferson Outreach 210-734-5016
Northeast Senior Assistance (NESA) 210-967-6372
Southwest Outreach for Older People (SWOOPSA) 210-558-0007
Senior Helpers’ Staying Home Safe™ program works with you, your patients and their families to support a safe recovery at home. Our approach to care is designed to identify and prioritize risks associated with social determinants of health that can lead to an unintended readmission. We then address these risks through customized plans of care designed to help patients achieve their goals while building their sense of autonomy. We do this while keeping you in the loop all the way. We look forward to working with your patients to support their recovery at home.
Senior Helpers provides help to those needing:
• Personal and Companion Care
• Transportation
• Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care
• Parkinson’s Care and Chronic Disease Care
• Post Surgery Sitter and Transitional Care
• VA Benefit Assistance
• Respite and End-of-Life Support Care
Featured Article
The Di erence Between Home Health Care and Non-Medical Home Care Services
The rst step in hiring senior services provided in the home is identifying the di erence between non-medical home care and home health care. It is important to understand this distinction, since the type of care will both guide your search for the appropriate caregiver as well as de ne how you will be able to pay for home care.
What is Non-Medical Home Care?
Non-medical home care can also be identi ed by the following terms: personal care, companion care, homemaker services, custodial care, unskilled, and non-clinical. It provides valuable social interaction, help with household chores, and assistance with activities of daily living including:
• Meal Preparation
• Laundry
• Light Housework
• Bathing
• Dressing
• Eating
• Toileting
• Transportation
• Mobility Assistance
• Medication Reminders
What is Home Health Care?
Home health care is medical in nature. A prescription from a
doctor may be required to obtain these services that are provided by healthcare professionals such as registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and physical, occupational, and speech-language therapists. Home health care may also be described as clinical care and skilled care.
Home health care companies provide the following services:
• Administration of medication (including IVs and injections)
• Monitoring Vital Signs
• Wound care
• Assistance with recovery from illness or injury
• Physical Therapy
• Occupational Therapy
• Speech-Language Therapy
• Monitoring of medical equipment
• Expertise in speci c medical conditions (like Alzheimer’s disease or dementia)
Note that there may be some overlap in the provision of services. For example, a home health care company may also provide non-medical "homemaker" and personal care services if you identify a need for household assistance in your care plan.
Agingcare.com
Housing & Services Descriptions
Look for these color-coded housing types on the pages of this magazine …
ACTIVE ADULT COMMUNITIES 55+ either age targeted or age restricted offer home ownership for adults 55+. These communities are maintenance free and offer a monthly association fee. Many of these communities are single family homes, cottages, patio homes, condominiums and townhomes.
SENIOR APARTMENTS offer all the amenities of regular apartment communities but have a minimum age requirement, in some communities it is 55 years of age, in others it is 62. Many of these apartments offer reduced rent for those that qualify, they are identified as “affordable” apartment communities.
INDEPENDENT LIVING WITH SERVICE COMMUNITIES offer older adult congregate housing that is generally replete with many amenities and social activities and services. Most communities offer restaurant-style meals, frequent events and country club style furnishings.
PERSONAL CARE HOMES this is a home in a residential care setting equipped to give adequate care to three residents. Personal care services may be delivered, i.e. assistance with bathing, moving, feeding, general oversight of the physical and mental well-being of a person who needs assistance.
ASSISTED LIVING COMMUNITIES offer help with all aspects of daily activities (bathing, grooming and dressing assistance, perhaps) in atmosphere of semi-private living units. There is a wide range of services and amenities offered in this category. Provide many activities, excellent meals and beautiful appointments. All are currently licensed by the state as assisted living communities.
ALZHEIMER’S MEMORY CARE COMMUNITIES can be a special unit of a free-standing community designed to sensitively care for those with Alzheimer’s or memory-related disorders.
Offer hospital-like attention in an institutional atmosphere. These facilities offer 24-hour supervision. The amount of additional services, upkeep, food, and the structure of facilities can vary from nursing home to nursing home. They also may specialize in short term or acute nursing care, intermediate care or long term skilled nursing care.
HOSPICE CARE care may be provided in the home or a senior care facility. Services can include pain management and a variety of emotional, spiritual and physical support issues.
HOME HEALTH CARE agencies offer skilled nursing services, wound care, distribution of medication, physical and rehabilitation therapies.
PERSONAL CARE SERVICES providers of licensed health care services in the home and communities offer non-medical assistance with such tasks as bathing, dressing, meal preparation and transportation.
Featured Article
Why would I want to sell my house and move into an Active Adult 55+ Community?
We hear this question all the time from active adults and seniors. Many do not see the benefit of selling their house and moving into an active adult 55+ community.
Many of the reasons are:
“This is my home I have lived here for ___ number of years, and I raised my children in this house.”
“My house is paid for.”
“It cost so much money to live in a community, how can I afford to live there?”
“What am I going to do with all of the stuff I have accumulated over the years?” “I am still too young and healthy.”
Below is a cost of living comparison worksheet that will help you calculate costs to see how independent living compares favorably to the cost of maintaining a home. Each community offers different pricing, call and schedule a tour at couple of the communities in your area, they can provide the information you need to calculate and compare costs.
Without the demand of maintaining a home, you will have time to socialize, travel, enjoy many fun and exciting social activities.
Take time and visit communities in your area, schedule a tour.
Attend social activities provided by the community and meet some of the residents and see how they like living in the community.
And if you are worried about getting your house ready to sell, there are realtors who work with active adults and seniors on a regular basis and they will help with resources to get your home ready to sell. And, there are many companies who offer services like, downsizing your items , moving and packing and who assist with estates sales, so you don’t have to do it alone.
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Village at Collinwood
Welcome HOME! Your new apartment is waiting for you! The Village at Collinwood is a community set apart from the standard one-size-fits-all lifestyle! Here we are focused on an environment that is resident centered. Being a part of this community, comes with an EXTRA element of unity and family. We value each and every one of our residents and our staff strives to personally connect with everyone who lives here. We offer spacious 1 & 2 bedroom apartment homes. We have incredible amenities that will perfectly fit your active lifestyle, so you can live life to the fullest. We are close to a variety of shopping and dining experiences. Our Leasing Agents are standing by to offer you a Video or In-Person tour, so call us TODAY!
BENEFITS / SERVICES HOUSING OPTIONS
• Valet Trash Service
• Elevators
• Covered Parking
• Limited Access Entry Gates
• Hair Salon
• Pet Friendly
• Walk-in Closets
• Handicap Accessible
Austin, Texas
1001 Collinwood West Dr Austin, TX 78753
OFFICE HOURS
Monday thru Friday 9 am to 6 PM (Appointment Only)
Saturday 1-4 PM (Appointment Only)
Sunday Closed DIRECTIONS
IH35N take the 243 exit toward Braker Ln, turn right on E Braker Ln, take a right on Bluff Bend Dr, we are on the left.
Apartment amenities:
• 5 floor plans with 1 & 2 bedrooms
• All electric kitchen
• Balcony or patio
• Extra storage & walk-in closets
WELCOME to HILLS AT LEANDER, a brand new affordable apartment home community in Leander, Texas. The perfect location for mature adults 62 and better.
Community amenities:
• Beautiful landscaping
• Barbeque & picnic area
• Business center
• Clubhouse
• Elevator
• State-of-the-art fitness center
• Laundry facility
• On-site Maintenance
• Shimmering swimming pool
960 Merrill Drive, Leander TX 78641
VISITS & TOURS:
Monday - Friday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Sunday Closed (mask is required for tour)
Ashford Wellington
Traditional Elegance in the Heart of Central Texas. We love to pamper our residents with the best of independent living at our 55+ community. Our professional staff will host an array of social activities with downhome Southern hospitality. You will find the comforts of home at our one-story gated community. Call today.
La Vista
Enjoy the Serenity of Independent Living. Located in the Heart of Texas just on the outskirts of San Marcos, La Vista is independent living at its finest, offering spacious 1 & 2 bedroom floorplans, conveniently grouped in our one-story community. Come and join our family.
Sunrise Village
Independent Living at an Affordable Price! Sunrise Village, the best of both worlds: The tranquility of Hill Country living & city lifestyle of Austin or San Antonio. Retirement doesn’t mean sacrificing your individuality; we combine the comfort of home with the convenience of an apartment.
San Marcos, Texas
600 Leah Avenue San Marcos, TX 78666 Local & Toll Free: 1-888-255-1748 www.ashfordco.com
BENEFITS / SERVICESHOUSING OPTIONS
• Heated Swimming Pool
• Valet Garbage Service
• Full-Size Washer and Dryer
• Fitness Center
• Transportation Services
• Clubhouse, Library, Fitness Room
• Social & Recreational Activities
• Library & video phone
• Resident Garden
• Walking/Jogging Trail
• Pet Friendly
DIRECTIONS
From Austin I-35 S. to Wonder World Dr. exit left under bridge onto Wonder World Dr. Left at Leah Ave. go .5 mile.
Local & Toll Free: 1-877-214-8067 www.lavistaretirementcommunity.org
BENEFITS / SERVICESHOUSING OPTIONS
• Transportation Services
• Social & Recreational Activities
• Hair Salon
• Congregate Meals
VISITS & TOURS
Monday - Friday 8:00 - 4:00 Saturday by appointment
• Swimming Pool
• Washer & Dryer Connections
• Laundry Facilities
• Pet Friendly
DIRECTIONS
Take IH35 to San Marcos, exit Wonder World Dr. Go east on Wonder World Dr. Cross Hwy. 123. Off road on your left.
San Marcos, Texas 500 Parker Drive San Marcos, Texas 78666
Local & Toll Free: 877-214-8003
BENEFITS / SERVICESHOUSING OPTIONS
• Free Rides to the Grocery Store and Local Doctor
• Water, Wastewater & Trash Inc.
• Washer/Dryer Connections
• 2 Clubhouses
• Activity Director
VISITS & TOURS
• 1BR/1BA (678 Sq. Ft.)
• Pet Friendly
• Numerous Social Events
• All Units are Ground Level
DIRECTIONS
Take I-35 Exit 204, east on Hwy. 123, turn right on Broadway (3rd stoplight) and left on Parker Drive into the property.
TEXAS HILL COUNTRY/CENTRAL TEXAS
1. Affinity at Monterrey Village
2. Affinity at Round Rock
3. Affinity at Southpark Meadows
4. Affinity at Wells Branch
5. Ashford Wellington
6. Augusta at Gruene, The
7. Bel Air at Terra Vista by Cantex
8. Bluffs Landing Senior Village
9. Cedar Ranch at Westover Hills
10. Coronado at Stone Oak by Cantex
11. Creekside Villas Senior Village
12. Eden Hill Communities
13. Elan Westpointe
14. Franklin Park - Alamo Heights
15. Franklin Park - Boerne
16. Franklin Park - Round Rock
17. Franklin Park - Sonterra
18. Franklin Park - TPC Parkway
19. Harmony Point Memory Care
20. Hills of Leander
21. The Huntington
22. La Vista Apts
23. Landing at Stone Oak, The
24. Leander Station Senior Village
25. Maple Ridge Gracious Retirement Living
26. Merritt Heritage Senior Village
27. Merritt Hill Country Senior Village
28. Merritt Lakeside Senior Village
29. NewForest Estates
30. NorthStar Georgetown
31. Sage Stone Oak
32. San Gabriel Senior Village
33. Shavano Park Senior Living
Junction
34. Sorrento by Cantex
35. Sunrise Village
36. TruCare of Selma
37. Villa de San Antonio
38. Village at Collinwood
39. The Village at Incarnate Word
40. Windemere at Westover Hills by Cantex
Numbers on map corresponds with numbers on pg 27. Location points are approximate.
Affinity’s
Dilly Dally’s Pub Movie Theater
A New Kind Of 55+ Living
Affinity was designed specifically for active, independent adults who want to simplify their life with our all-inclusive pricing that helps residents to stay on budget while pursuing the lifestyle they’ve always dreamed of. Residents have complete freedom to: And More…
•Come and go as they please
•Cook meals in their home
•Enjoy a variety of amenities
•Participate in the many on-site events
•Pursue their own passions
• No neighbors above or below • All Brick Exterior
• Private Entry from Garage with Automatic Opener*
• Spacious Patio with Lattice Privacy Fence
• Full-size Washer/ Dryer Connections
• Convenient Walk to Historic Gruene
• Easy Access to IH-35 *In select units
AUSTIN
Affinity South Park Pg 28 9300 S IH35 #200 512-212-9821
Affinity at Wells Branch Pg 29 14508 Owen-Tech Blvd 512-212-4357
Village at Collinwood Pg 23 1001 Collinwood West 877-412-6351
Why would I want to sell my house and move into an Independent Living Community?
We hear this question all the time from active adults and seniors. Many do not see the benefit of selling their house and moving into an independent living community.
Many of the reasons are:
“This is my home I have lived here for ___ number of years, and I raised my children in this house.”
“My house is paid for.”
“It cost so much money to live in a community, how can I afford to live there?”
“What am I going to do with all of the stuff I
MONTHLY EXPENSES
Mortgage
have accumulated over the years?”
“I am still too young and healthy.”
Below is a cost of living comparison worksheet that will help you calculate costs to see how independent living compares favorably to the cost of maintaining a home. Each community offers different pricing, call and schedule a tour at couple of the communities in your area, they can provide the information you need to calculate and compare costs.
HOA/Association fees Included
Property taxes Included
Home insurance
Utilities (gas, electric) Included
Water, sewer, trash Included
Cable/WiFi Included
Lawn maintenance Included
Home repairs and maintenance Included
Food (monthly groceries) Included
24-hour security Included
Emergency response system Included
Scheduled transportation (car, gas, repairs, insurance) Included
Health club membership/Exercise classes Included
Entertainment Included
Pool outdoor/indoor Included*
Washer/dryer Included*
Housekeeping Included*
Without the demand of maintaining a home, you will have time to socialize, travel, enjoy many fun and exciting social activities.
Take time and visit communities in your area, schedule a tour and have lunch (many communities offer a complimentary meal), so you can check out the cuisine.
Attend social activities provided by the community and meet some of the residents and see how they like
*In select communities
living in an independent community. And if you are worried about getting your house ready to sell, there are realtors who work with active adults and seniors on a regular basis and they will help with resources to get your home ready to sell. And, there are many companies who offer services like, downsizing your items , moving and packing and who assist with estates sales, so you don’t have to do it alone.
CEDAR PARK
GEORGETOWN
Featured Article
3 Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Exercise
Are you considering adding exercise to your daily routine or signi cantly increasing your level of activity? Talk to your doctor about the exercises and physical activities that are best for you. During your appointment, you can ask:
1. Are there any exercises or activities I should avoid? Your doctor can make recommendations based on your health history, keeping in mind any recent surgeries or ongoing health conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, or heart disease. This would be a great time to check with your doctor about any unexplained symptoms you’ve been experiencing, such as chest pain or pressure, joint pain, dizziness, or shortness of breath. Your doctor may recommend postponing exercise until the problem is diagnosed and treated.
2. Is my preventive care up to date? Your doctor can tell you if there are any tests you might need. For example, women over age 65 should be checked regularly for osteoporosis.
3. How does my health condition a ect my ability to exercise? Some health conditions can a ect your exercise routine. For example, people with arthritis may need to avoid some types of activity, especially when joints are swollen or in amed. Those with diabetes may need to adjust their daily schedule, meal plan, or medications when planning their activities. Your doctor can talk to you about any adjustments you need to make to ensure that you get the most out of your new exercise routine.
40 Assisted Living residences to fit your style and your furnishings
Assisted Living & Memory Care Residences
44 Memory Care private and semiprivate suites
40 Assisted Living residences to fit your style and your furnishings
Vibrant Life activities – full monthly calendar with a variety of classes and outings
monthly calendar with a variety of classes and outings
44 Memory Care private and semiprivate suites
A pet-friendly community, because some of our best friends are furry
Vibrant Life activities – full monthly calendar with a variety of classes and outings
A pet-friendly community, because some of our best friends are furry
A pet-friendly community, because some of our best friends are furry
SHAVANO PARK
SHAVANO PARK SENIOR LIVING
SENIOR LIVING
3220 N Loop 1604 W. • Shavano Park, TX 78231 • shavanoparkseniorliving.com
DIRECTORY
Can be a special unit of a free-standing community designed to sensitively care for those with Alzheimer’s or memory-related disorders. Alzheimer’s is a progressive, degenerative disease that attacks the brain, results in impaired memory, thinking and behavior. Other senior living environments may be appropriate for residents in early, or even mild stage of the disease. However, unless they have a specialized dementia unit, transfer to another facility will be required as the disease progresses. Alzheimer’s Facility: A Type B Assisted Living that is certified to provide specialized services to residents, with Alzheimer’s or a related condition:
Small: Small facilities are defined as those with 16 or less beds. (A/B)
Large: Large facilities are defined as those with 17 or more beds. (A/B)
Featured Article
8 Tips for Long Distance Caregiving
Long-distance caregiving presents unique challenges. If you find yourself in the longdistance caregiving role, here is a summary of things to keep in mind.
1. Know What You Need to Know as a Long-Distance Caregiver
Recommend that you learn as much as you can about your family member or friend's illness, medicines, and resources that might be available. Information can help you understand what is going on, anticipate the course of an illness, prevent crises, and assist in healthcare management. It can also make talking with the doctor easier. Make sure at least one family member has written permission to receive medical and financial information. To the extent possible, one family member should handle conversations with all healthcare providers.
Try putting all the vital information in one place—perhaps in a notebook or in a shared, secure online document. This includes all the important information about medical care, social services, contact numbers, financial issues, and so on. Make copies for other caregivers and keep the information up to date.
2. Plan Your Visits with an Aging Parent or Relative
When visiting your loved one, you may feel that there is just too much to do in the time that you have. You can get more done and feel less stressed by talking to your family member or friend ahead of time and finding out what he or she would like to do. Also, check with the primary caregiver, if appropriate, to learn what he or she needs, such as handling some caregiving responsibilities
while you are in town. This may help you set clear-cut and realistic goals for the visit. For instance, does your mother need to get some new winter clothes or visit another family member? Could your father use help, fixing things around the house? Would you like to talk to your mother's physician? Decide on the priorities and leave other tasks for another visit.
3. Activities to do When Visiting an Aging Parent or Relative
Try to make time to do things unrelated to being a caregiver. Maybe you could find a movie to watch with your relative or plan a visit with old friends or other family members. Perhaps they would like to attend worship services. Offer to play a game of cards or a board game. Take a drive or go to the library together. Finding a little bit of time to do something simple and relaxing can help everyone, and it builds more family memories. And keep in mind that your friend or relative is the focus of your trip—try to let outside distractions wait until you are home again.
4. Get in Touch, and Stay in Touch
Many families schedule conference calls with doctors, the assisted living facility team, or nursing home staff so several relatives can participate in one conversation and get upto-date information about a relative's health and progress. If your family member is in a nursing home, you can request occasional teleconferences with the facility's staff. Sometimes a social worker is good to talk to for updates as well as for help in making decisions. You might also talk with a family member or friend in the community who can provide a realistic view of what is going on. In some cases, this will be your other parent. Don't underestimate the value of a phone and email contact list. It is a simple way to keep everyone updated on your parents' needs.
5. Help an Aging Parent Stay in Contact from Afar
For one family, having a private phone line installed in their father's nursing home room allowed him to stay in touch. For another family, giving Grandma a cell phone (and then teaching her how to use it) gave
Featured Article
everyone some peace of mind. These simple strategies can be a lifeline. But be prepared— you may find you are inundated with calls or text messages. It's good to think in advance about a workable approach for coping with numerous calls.
6. Organize Paperwork for an Aging Parent
Organizing paperwork is one way that a longdistance caregiver can be a big help. An important part of effective caregiving depends on keeping a great deal of information in order and up to date. Often, long-distance caregivers will need access to a parent’s or relative's personal, health, financial, and legal records.
Getting all this material together is a lot of work at first, and from far away it can seem even more challenging. But once you have gathered everything together, many other caregiving tasks will be easier. Maintaining current information about your parent’s health and medical care, as well as finances, home ownership, and other legal issues, lets you get a handle on what is going on and allows you to respond more quickly if there is a crisis.
As you're getting started, try to focus on gathering the essentials first, and fill in the blanks as you go along. Talk with the older person and the primary caregiver about any missing information or documentation and how you might help to organize the records. It is also a good idea to make sure that all financial matters, including wills and life insurance policies, are in order. It will also help if someone has a durable power of attorney (the legal document naming one person to handle financial and property issues for another).
Your family member or friend may be reluctant to share personal information with you.
Explain that you are not trying to invade their privacy or take over their personal lives—you are only trying to assemble what will be needed in the event of an emergency. Assure them that you will respect their privacy, and then keep your promise. If they are still uncomfortable, ask if they would be willing to work with an attorney (some lawyers specialize in elder affairs) or perhaps with another trusted family member or friend.
For a list of documents and other information to gather, see Getting Your Affairs In Order. Find more information about advance care planning.
7. Learn Additional Tips for Caregiving
Whether you are the primary caregiver or a long-distance caregiver, getting some caregiving training can be helpful. As with a lot of things in life, many of us don't automatically have a lot of caregiver skills. For example, training can teach you how to safely move someone from a bed to a chair, how to help someone bathe, and how to prevent and treat bed sores, as well as basic first aid. Information about training opportunities is available online. Some local chapters of the American Red Cross might offer courses, as do some nonprofit organizations focused on caregiving. Medicare and Medicaid will sometimes pay for this training.
8. Gather a List of Resources in your Aging Relative's Neighborhood
Searching the Internet is a good way to start collecting resources. Check with a local library or senior center, the Area Agency on Aging, or the Eldercare Locator to find out about sources of help.
our patients.
DIRECTORY
• Outpatient therapy TruCare
• State-of-the-art therapy gym and rehabilitation programs
more information about one of our advertisers featured in Senior Living Choices, please send an email to Kameron.SeniorLiving@gmail.com. Please let us know which communities, services or products you are interested in. Don't forget to include your name, phone number, email and address in the
This will assist in letting the community know your preference in being reached.
Texas Hill Country/Central Texas Volume 21 Issue 1 March 2019 - June 2019
