Caregiving & Aging September/October 2022 Newsletter
Sep 15, 2022
AGING ALONE
Many aging adults find themselves living alone at some point. Here are some ideas of things to think aobut if you or a lovved one lives alone or far away from family.
- Build your network. Nurture your friends, neighbors, co-workers, acquaintances, teams, clubs, and faith communities...they may become a priceless resource.
- Volunteer to assist a neighbor/co-worker who lives alone, is ill, or undergoing a difficult time.
- Organize YOUR important personal information into a folder that a trusted friend could access should it ever be needed.
- Get legal documents in order, including medical directives, final wishes, will, and power of attorney.
- Give a trusted friend (who lives nearby) keys to your home. Introduce them to your family when they are visiting.
- Ask for help or learn to accept help occasionally. "Lighten up" on being so independent. People who are open to assistance seem to get it when needed.
- Gather friends to discuss and agree to "be there" for each other should help be needed.
- Practice caring and compassion. Call friends, or relatives you rearely see to find out how they are doing. Say "I love you" more often.
- Keep an "In Case of Emergency" list in your wallet and visibly in your home. Include: contacts, current medications, conditions, doctors, allergies, and other vital information.
- Stay in touch with the Caregiving & Aging team at FamilyMeans for support.
The National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP, Caregiving in the U.S. National Alliance for Caregiving.
