Page 2 - Healthcare News 2021 Senior Planning Guide

INSIDE SENIOR PLANNING GUIDE 2021
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2000, the number of adults age 65 and older was 35 mil- lion, or 12% of the total population. In 2020, the number of seniors had risen to 56.1 million or 17% of the population. By 2030, the bureau estimates,
more than 21% of U.S. residents, about 73.1 million, will have passed their 65th birthdays.
What does all this mean?
It means it’s time to prepare — the sooner, the better. Americans are living longer than ever. But what that life
will entail, post-65, can wildly vary depending on lifestyle preferences, health status, finances, and more. Achieving your goals — and your desires for your loved ones — requires careful thought, and that’s where our annual Senior Planning Guide comes in, offering advice on everything from choosing a care facility to living safely at home; from estate planning to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
The questions are myriad, and no single guide can answer all the questions. But hopefully, this special section will sort through some of the confusion and get those conversations started.
Residents of Armbrook Village in Westfield.
Getting Started
Don’t Neglect Any of These Five Important Steps........................... 4
Having the Talk
Time to Seek Help
Eight Signs Your Aging Parents Might Need Home Care .............. 5 Recognizing the Signs of Dementia
Am I Forgetting More Than Usual? Should I Be Concerned?.............. 6 Driving Concerns
Are You Worried About a Loved One Behind the Wheel?...................... 8 Protect Yourself
Here’s How to Recognize Costly Cons That Target Seniors............. 9
Living & Care Options
The Next Step
What Kinds of Senior-living Options Are Available?............................ 10 Informed Decision Questions You Should Be Asking About Assisted Living ................ 13 There’s No Place Like Home
Some Frequently Asked Questions About Home Care...................... 14 Doing Your Homework I Think My Loved One Needs Home Care — Now What?................... 16 Dose of Caution
Nine Tips for Medication Management for Seniors .......... 17 Team Approach Questions and Answers About Hospice Care.............................. 18
Paying for Care Who Pays for What?
Many Options Are Available for Seniors and Their Families ........ 21 Weighing the Options How to Fill the Gaps in Your Medicare Coverage ................... 22
Elder Care Budget Worksheet ..............24
Forward Thinking
Buy Long-term-care Insurance at the Right Age for Best Value .. 25
Senior Resources 26
Stay Healthy Eat Well, Age Well
Big Y Nutritionist Says Living Well Means Eating Smart .................. 28 Active and Proactive Staying Physically, Mentally Sharp Is Key to Healthy Aging ................. 29
Estate Planning
Estate Plans Are for Everyone
These Documents Will Ensure That You Control Key Decisions......... 30 Where There’s a Will... Don’t Let Others Make Decisions About Your Beneficiaries........... 31 Planning Your Own Funeral
Thinking Ahead Means Less Stress, More Careful Decisions ............. 32
2 AUGUST 2021
SENIOR PLANNING GUIDE
HEALTHCARENEWS