Page 20 - Senior Times South Central Michigan April 2021 - 28-04

Page 20
Senior Times - April 2021
DEATH OF A SPOUSE: HOW TO CARE FOR AGING PARENTS
By: Glin Winsor, Manager, DayOne Family Healthcare
Losing a parent is hard, but harder still for your surviving parent, who must now face life alone after many years as a partnership. Your surviving parent is likely to be over- whelmed by feelings of grief and loss and will need huge amounts of understanding and sympathy over the coming weeks, months, and years.
vulnerabilities, so you may need to do a little detective work to find out whether or not they are coping adequately. For example, your mother might never have had to man- age finances before, or your father may not know how to cook a meal or do the laundry. Learning new skills might be needed.
The loss of a life partner – When a couple have lived together for decades and raised a family together, the loss of a partner can bring a level of grief, which seems insur- mountable.
surviving parent may have difficulty focus- ing. Be patient and suggest written remind- ers to stay focused.
Arranging the legalities – You may need to take charge of the administration if your mother or father is too grief-stricken to be able to cope with the planning. You will need a copy of the Death Certificate, signed by a doctor, and you will need to arrange a funer- al, along with either burial or cremation.
Everyone copes differently with the loss of a loved one but be wary if your sur- viving parent appears to be coping admi- rably. They are likely to be putting on a brave front and could be quietly grieving deeply the moment that your back is turned.
• Disorganization – Taking longer or fail- ing to complete one task before beginning another is often seen in grieving adults. Written schedules can help.
Even if your remaining parent would like you to take over all the associated duties, try to involve them in the arrangements. It will help to focus their mind and ensure that their loved one’s final wishes are adhered to as closely as possible.
Your surviving parent is likely to want to talk about their loss, so do not try to prevent them from doing so. Sometimes people need to go over, and over, the same ground to come to terms with a death. Allow their grief to go where it wants to and provide a sympa- thetic and supportive shoulder to cry on.
• Inability to concentrate – Grief causes the mind to wander, so reading a book or watching a television show can be difficult. Be especially alert if your parent continues to drive an automobile or operate danger- ous machinery.
Keep a watchful eye on your surviving parent. When someone is used to being part of a couple, the loss of a spouse can leave them feeling that nothing is worth bothering about anymore. You could find that your par- ent neglects cleanliness, nutrition, and health, so visit regularly and make sure that there
is evidence that your parent is maintaining good personal hygiene.
Signs of continuing grief in the elderly – Many people appear to quickly bounce back after a tragic event, but appearances can
be deceiving. According to the American Hospice Foundation, some signs that your parent is still grieving include the following: • Forgetfulness – Missing appointments,
• Lack of interest or motivation – Your par- ent may question the purpose of life or why any effort is worth doing. Listen to them, express love and support, and keep trying to get them involved in something beyond their immediate environment.
Is there food in the fridge and are there signs of recent meals? Have the bath, wash- basin, and shower been used recently? Is there fresh bedding, towels, and laundry?
locking keys in the car, or mailing unsigned checks with bills are all signs that your
Bear in mind that older generations are not always skilled at voicing their
• Fascination with death or the hereafter – While it is natural to think about it follow- ing a death, a fixation on death combined with depression can lead to suicide. Involve a therapist immediately.
Most long-term relationships rely on dividing household tasks, so you need to establish whether your surviving parent has problems with any aspects of day-to-day living.
SENIOR TRANSPORTATION RESOURCES
ORGANIZATION
Alamo Transportation
Alpha Medical Transport
Battle Creek Tele-Transit
Battle Creek Transit - Fixed Route
Community Action Senior Transportation
JTC Transportation Service LLC
Mobility 1 Transportation
JNZ Transportation
AREA
Calhoun & Jackson Counties
Battle Creek Area
Battle Creek Area
Battle Creek Area
Calhoun County- Battle Creek
Calhoun County Area
Southern Michigan
Michigan
SERVICE CONDITIONS
Door-to-Door Service
Fixed Routes
Origination To Destination
Within 150 miles
Will Travel Out Of Michigan
PHONE
(517) 494-0029
(844) 895-4809
(269) 966-3474
(269) 966-3474
(269) 565-4144
(269) 339-6928
(269) 430-5055
(517) 879-0978
HOURS
M-F, 7am-5pm
By Appointment
M-F, 5:15am-mid- night, Sat, 9:15am-5pm
M-F, 5:15am-mid- night, Some Routes Sat, 9:15am-5pm
M-F, 8am-4:30pm
Daily 6am-8pm
By Appointment
7-days, 6am-6pm
COST
Bills Medicare/Medicad
Arranged through individual health insurance plans; direct pay not accepted
$2 one-way for senior/disabled, Personal attendants ride free, $7 adults ($5 after 6:45pm)
$0.60 seniors
$1 suggested cost share per ride, funded by Senior Millage
Wheelchair $45+$1.25/mile, Ambulatory $35+$1.25/mile after 20miles
Can bill some Medicad plans
Wheelchair $45+$2/mile, Ambulatory $30+$2/mile
NOTES
Must schedule more than 24 hours in advance
Reservation Needed, 10 punch pass for $20, 20 punches for $40
Must have exact change, 12 punch pass for $6, 48 punches for $24
Must schedule more than 24 hours in advance
10-15% Disc for ambulatory frequency
Albion Marshall Connector
Marshall, Ablion
Curb-To-Curb
(269) 781-3975 or (517) 654-3000
M-F, 7:30am-5:30pm
$1 one way for seniors, 60+; disabled & children 6-12,
$2 adults/children 13+
Must have exact change, can receive tokens for future trips if you overpay
Area Wide Transportation
Southern Michigan
(269) 679-6999
Available 24 hours/ day
Bills Medicare/Medicad
Rider responsible for any costs not covered
BC Go
Battle Creek Area
Ride Sharing
(269) 966-3474
M-F 6am-9pm,Sat 9am-5pm
Cost ranges from $3 to $15, depending on miles traveled
Additional passenger $3, call for additional restrictions
Branch Area Transit Authority
Branch County
Curb-To-Curb
(517) 278-5889
Daily
Half Fare for Handicapped & Senior Citizens Over 60
Weekly Subscriptions Available
Community Action Senior Transportation
Calhoun County- Albion
Origination To Destination
(269) 565-4144
M,T,W,F, 9am-2:30pm
$1 suggested cost share per ride, funded by Senior Millage
Must schedule more than 24 hours in advance
Marshall Dial-A-Ride
Marshall
(269) 781-3975
M-F, 7am-6pm
$1.50 one-way for seniors, 60+, disabled, children 5-12, $3.00 adults/children 13+
Free on Wed for seniors, age 60 and over
Ready Ride Transportation
Michigan
(616) 261-2400
By Appointment
Contact for Rates
10% Discount for Veterans
Senior Transportation, DC Services LLC
Michigan, Northern IN
(517) 677-9262
By Appointment
$0.50/mile
Starting from Tekonsha
Details subject to change.To have your senior transportation added or changes to your listing, Call Sherii at (269) 979-1479 ext. 302 or ssherban@scenepub.com.