Are You Prepared for the Ending of Your Life's Story?

Su Swanne, Realtor - GRI, CSHP, SRES

Graduate, Realtor Institute

Certified Senior Housing Professional

Senior Real Estate Specialist

CALL 520-248-6297

Are you prepared for “The Inevitable?”  No matter what age you are, have you taken some time to think about your needs at the end of your life? 

As a Realtor who specializes in working with Senior clients I find that much of my work involves educating them about many of the issues they may be facing. One of those issues is making decisions and planning ahead for the times of possible confusion and chaos.

I remember an animated cartoon from years ago where a parachutist has jumped out of a plane. The narrator keeps reminding him to open the cute, and he keeps saying, “I’ve got plenty of time”. You know how it ends!

While we are faced by the same inevitable ending as the parachutist, we can prepare for a softer landing. That is, if we do it now, and not wait, because we think we have plenty of time.

In a recent Merrill Lynch retirement study:

● 70% of children 25+ haven’t discussed financial, retirement, health, or inheritance plans with their parents.

● 56% of parents over 50 have not discussed their plans with their children.

● 28% of those married haven’t discussed their plans with their spouse.

● Only 24% of siblings have discussed how their parents will be provided for.

The conversation seems to not take place until the death or illness of a family member or friend. Why? Often it’s fear of family conflict. For example Johnny doesn’t want to fight with Susie over some treasured belonging of their parents, or over what they perceive as part of their inheritance. My mother was smart. She met with me and my siblings as a group and we made lists of what we wanted. After she passed we found those lists and we used them to determine where things went.

Another reason that conversation is not faced is because it’s too painful. We don’t want to think about our loved ones facing the end of their lives; and we certainly don’t like the discomfort of facing our own demise. I have personally experienced this with my family. They live on the East Coast and have their own lives. They love me - yet I know they don’t want to discuss the fact that my life will one day be over. They have received my paperwork; we still haven’t had the conversation.

TODAY I’m asking you to consider stepping out of your comfort zone to think about and ACT on how you want to create the best ending to your life’s story. While the issues of growing older can be complex, there are some steps you can take at whatever age you are to protect your health and financial assets.

First,you can consider Advanced Directives that document your desires for your care when you are unable to speak for yourself. You can designate someone you trust to make decisions about your treatment and/or care in your stead. You don’t need to be “old” to need this. If you live in Arizona you can find

the necessary documents online on the Arizona Attorney General's’ website or on the Arizona page of the AARP website. You can file the completed documents online with the Arizona Attorney General’s website for access by your doctor or representative.

Next, you might have a will drawn up that delineates how you want any assets distributed. If you have multiple assets you may need to speak with a financial planner, tax adviser or estate planning professional about tax reduction and trusts. Consider that the money you spend up front for these services can save you money later.

Regarding final expenses, I’m sure you’ve seen the ads for taking out life insurance that can cover the costs of burial, credit card debt, and so forth. If you think this is a good idea for you, do it. Consider offering your body to medical science, or contacting the Neptune Society.

Too many people wait until they are in a crisis to make appropriate plans. That’s the time that mistakes are more likely.

We each must take responsibility for ourselves and our decisions. Do you want to make the choices and make a plan for yourself? Or have someone else - the State - choose for you? Do you want your family to be faced with the chaos of finding your important papers and instructions? Make it easy for them. Too many times a female spouse is left with no idea of the nature of her and her husband’s financial assets.

Are you prepared? You don’t know whether you have plenty of time...Don’t wait! Make a plan TODAY!

Sponsor of the Tucson SPOTLIGHT Senior Services & Living Options Guide.

Call us today and say "I saw you in SPOTLIGHT!"

Bring Dad (Mom) Home from the Hospital or Rehabilitation

Bringing Dad (Mom) Home from the Hospital or Rehabilitation

Bathroom safety is a major concern as most fall at home happen in this room

We can almost predict what some customers will say when they come into the store. The worried, tense expressions as they look at the variety of home care items on display can be overwhelming to many.  When asked how we can be of help the response is often “Well I am bringing dad home this weekend and they told me that I need to get the house ready”. “What do I need to get???”   The fear, confusion and concern in the “kids” voice and face shows as they are confronted with this new dilemma. All are frustrated as what looks like a mountain of decisions to be made within a few hours or just days.

Seldom has a list of items been given to them by the hospital or doctor’s office that can be used as a guideline for the medical care and safety items the parent* will be using at home.  Don’t panic, in most cases there is time to find the right products for the home rehab of the patient/parent. Once we find the what if any, limitations they have such as mobility and or incontinence issues, a  variety of solutions can be offered to meet the needs of both the parent and caregiver in the home. 

Will they be using a tub or shower?  A shower bench or transfer bench may be best for safety and comfort. Some tubs have sliding doors which can make the use of transfer benches difficult. Removal of the doors may be the best solution then replace with a curtain. This gives more leg room to step in or swing the legs around to gain entry. Plus doors on the tub can make it difficult for a caregiver to be of help. Please do not fall for the false cost saving idea of using a plastic yard chair in the tub/shower.  The heat of the water will weaken the frame which can bend, they do not have nonskid leg tips, they are not adjustable in height, to name a few reasons they can be a hazard.

A shower head that is removable from the wall can be of help, one that has a long hose such as 84” with an on and off switch at the shower head adds to the safety and comfort so reaching for the wall valve is not an issue.

A toilet seat riser and or a commode may be needed. New styles of commodes and benches that do not look institutional that fit into the home décor are available.

Mirrors in many bathrooms may need to be tilted so when you are sitting in a wheelchair the view is angled to the face. Care needs to be taken so the mirror is secure, a handyman should be consulted if you are in doubt about adjusting it.

Rugs (smaller or movable) just get rid of them or secure them to the floor. Rugs that have a thick rubber base that prevents them from moving may work out in some cases. Look for a non-slip floor mat: They can still cause a trip hazard if not completely flat.

Grab bars come in various lengths and colors, they can be mounted at any angle as long as both ends are anchored to the wall. It is best if at least one is anchored into a stud behind the surface.  Try different positions prior to installing any bars. You can sit and stand acting as the patient to see what the best position is. Placing bars on the walls in the bathroom as well as in the hallway should be considered for support.  There are grab bars that clamp onto the wall of the tub to help getting into/ out of the tub.

Risers and safety bars are often needed for the toilet if sitting too low will be difficult after surgery. The first question we ask is what is the shape of the toilet? Is it standard round or elongated? Many seat risers will fit only one shape securely. Risers come in 3 ½ and 5 inch heights this means be sure of the height of the one who will use it all the time. Feet need to be touching the floor for comfort and safety. Safety bars help support the arms when sitting down and getting up. Some risers do come with arm rails as part of the riser then separate safety rails are not needed. Often customers will have taken a photo of the toilet to be sure of the shape when buying a riser.

Doors can be a problem if they get locked which many people do even at home, why is hard to answer. If you cannot disable the lock then try taping the latch so it will not engage the wall jam. This way the door can be opened in any emergency or a simple call for help. Some homes have removed the door then replaced it with a curtain.

Knowing you have done all you can for the safety of your loved one lets you sleep better while keeping them safer at home.  There are many options for bathroom safety these are just a few to think about.  For more ideas and to see many of the products mentioned stop by our showroom and also visit our website www.tucsonsafety.com

Other items to make the home safer as well as comfortable will be posted in the future.
If you have come up with unique ways to make the home safer, please tell us!

Visit us online today @ http://www.tucsonsafety.com/

Jerry@tucsonsafety.com

1740 E. Fort Lowell Road

Tucson, AZ 85719

520-628-7267

Sponsor of the Tucson SPOTLIGHT Senior Services
& Living Options Guide!

Call us today and say "I saw you in SPOTLIGHT!"