Planning for the Care of an Elder Orphan

According to AARP, one in five older adults is an elder orphan, or is at risk for becoming one. An elder orphan is a person who has no spouse or children to take on caregiving duties, should the need arise. If you’re an elder orphan in need of care, or if you know someone who is, planning ahead can be the key to ensuring elder orphans live well as they age. Here are some tips for creating a plan.

Think About Where the Elder Orphan Plans to Live

There are a lot of things to think about when it comes to where a person plans to live as they age. Many older adults want to age in place, meaning they want to stay in the homes they currently live in. However, it is sometimes necessary to move to a place that is more convenient, easier to care for, and more affordable. If the senior is agreeable to moving, check out what communities have to offer in terms of affordable housing, senior services, and public transportation.

Plan for Transportation Needs

Seniors often reach a point in their lives where they are unable to drive. This can affect their ability to live independently. But, when the senior lives in a community that has access to public transportation, they can continue to get to the places they need to go. It can be a good idea to scope out the options and make certain the senior knows how to use them before the need arises.

Prepare Important Paperwork

For an older adult without family members to advocate for them, the paperwork that makes their needs known is extremely important. The person’s doctor, local senior center, and clergy person are all places where the older adult may be able to get advice about the paperwork they need to have in place. 

Make Social Ties

Although close friends may not be able to help with long-term care, they can still be helpful to one another. Older adults can sometimes rely on friends for help with things like running errands or preparing a meal when they are ill. If the older adult doesn’t have a lot of friends now, they may wonder where to meet people. Joining clubs, taking classes, and volunteering are all good ways for seniors to meet others their age.

Consider Home Care

Home care is an excellent option for elder orphans. Home care providers can be hired to come to the senior’s home to assist with all sorts of things that family caregivers usually do. Home care providers can assist with grocery shopping, cleaning the house, making meals, doing laundry, and all sorts of other things.

Sources
https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/basics/info-2017/tips-aging-alone.html

http://www.nextavenue.org/elder-orphans-harder-aging-place/

If you or an aging loved one are considering homecare in Hobe Sound, FL, contact the caring staff at BrightStar Care of Jupiter. Call today (561) 741-1200.