Age of Champions

It's time for another Elder Care Guides movie suggestion! "Age of Champions" is an uplifting story of a group of athletes—a 100-year-old tennis champion, 86-year-old pole vaulter, and a team of basketball grandmothers all chasing gold at the National Senior Games. The film captures the triumphant spirit of these competitors as they tackle the challenges of aging with grace, humor, and optimism. Win or lose, they inspire us to follow our dreams and find purpose at any stage of life.

"Age of Champions" is showing at the San Diego Film Festival this Saturday, October 1st at 12:30pm at the downtown Gaslamp Theatre. Buy your tickets now, and discover how you can build on your strengths, find your purpose, and become a champion too.

Long Term Care Planning: Bridging Home and Community

We were invited to write a series of brief articles for the monthly newsletter of our friends at MDK Insurance Services, describing the continuum of long term care, and how to navigate oneself through it. You can sign up for the newsletter on their website, and each month we provide a copy of the article here as well. Please share the information with someone you know who is thinking ahead about how to plan for (and pay for) their own or a loved one's long term care.

Volume V: Bridging Home and Community

In previous issues, we’ve outlined the resources that are available when planning for the care at home of a disabled elder. It’s important to remember that those who lose connections with friends, community organizations and social groups, or who fail to build new connections and participate in engaging activities are at risk of social isolation, known to negatively impact physical and mental health. Fortunately there are community-based programs available to help those living at home with physical or cognitive impairments to remain socially connected, physically active, and mentally stimulated well into their old age.

Adult day health care programs are licensed centers that provide medical services and a variety of therapies, social services, and stimulating activities, as well as meals for the participants, who usually attend the program between 4-8 hours per day, several days per week. Adult social day care provides a similar structure, but does not offer skilled medical services and emphasizes socially, physically, and intellectually stimulating activity. Senior centers are neighborhood-based facilities that offer an array of social and educational opportunities, often offered on a drop-in basis. Many provide exercise programs and nutritious meals for participants on the days that they attend. For those who are no longer driving, it is essential to plan for transportation alternatives, to ensure access to all of the types of services that have been described. To find transportation and other resources in your community, contact your local Area Agency on Aging, or log on to the national Eldercare Locator: www.eldercare.gov.

The above resources can supplement a care plan that provides safety and support at home while keeping the elder connected and engaged. Next month, we’ll discuss the different levels of community care that are available for those who are considering making a move from a private home.