Page 20 - Scene Magazine 46-04 April 2021

Local Interest
BY SHERII SHERBAN
Designing the direction you will take in terms of care and housing into the future is in your hands. The sooner you start evaluating future needs the more choices you have. It’s always better to plan 20 years too early than one day too late.
Waiver or PACE, or possibly downsiz- ing (rightsizing) to something more spe- cific to your needs, you have choices. Rightsizing might also open up funds for new activities or joining the Snow- birds down south in the cold months.
If you have reached the age of transitioning to Medicare it’s a good time to re-evaluate your future choices from housing to health care. It’s time to review your financial outlook as well as update your legal documents and confirm who will play a roll in deci- sion-making right alongside you into your future. If you have not started this process yet, then now is the time. Pre- paring early is a gift you give yourself as well as your loved ones.
Take hold of the power you have in pre- ventive care and the plethora of choices to consider regarding your future living arrangements.
When you or a loved one recognizes the need to start the conversation about future housing choices the sooner you begin the more you can be a part of the decision-making process. Frankly, a bit of proactive thinking now may allow you to be able to remain in your own home longer with simple adjustments. Be thoughtful about the decisions that are made regarding family and caregiv- ing responsibilities. Including all adult siblings in the conversation removes frustration regarding choices. Continual communication is made easier with
all the technology that we have gotten familiar with in 2020. Be sure to use it.
Do not choose to ignore changes
you are experiencing for fear of having someone else barge in and make choices for you. If you have prepared well, then your advocates will know what to do.
The best news is that you can make all sorts of changes even while remain- ing in your own home. Whether it’s remodeling your current home to age in place, bringing support services into your home, participating in MI Choice
Change is never easy. The time to start looking for a long-term care
Take Control of Your Choices
Meeting the needs of those impacted by dementia.
DID YOU KNOW:
• 6 in 10 will wander
• Many will be unable to return on
their own
• Law enforcement is engaged locally
• Movement matters
• Socialization matters
• Music matters
• Caregiver support is essential
• Documentation supports caregiver
• Research is finding solutions
• Training helps all caregivers
MILES FOR MEMORIES SOLUTION:
• Personal I.D. Bracelet*
• G.P.S. Personal I.D. Watch*
• Help Home Program
• M4M Marathon
• Vineyard of Memories Art
• Melodious Memories
• Respite Care
• Senior I.D.*
• Annual community updates
• Training 30 minutes to 16 hours
TM
During this time of cancelled events and fundraisers your support can help us to continue to meet the needs of Calhoun County. PLEASE CONSIDER A DONATION TODAY. Checks should be made payable to BCCF/Miles for Memories.
Miles for Memories is a grassroots organization of volunteers committed to creating solutions for those impacted by dementia in Calhoun County.
* INCLUDES APP FOR CAREGIVER PHONE
Milesformemories.org • (269) 979-1412, ext. 305 • 4642 Capital Ave SW, Battle Creek, MI, 49015 • Tax ID #: 38-2045459
20 SCENE 4604 I WOMEN IN BUSINESS