Vonceil Sanders’ mother-in-law may be only 55 years old, but in 10 years, this baby boomer and her husband will face the possibility of caring for an aging parent. As a baby boomer, Sanders is one of the 76 million adults born between 1946 and 1964 dealing with how to best care for an aging parent.
With adults living longer and the growth of technology, "[y]ou are more subject to take care of your parent or loved one than ever before," said Sanders, Senior Choices manger and Lifeline community outreach manager for Baptist Health System (BHS) in Birmingham. She added that it is becoming increasingly important to find the necessary resources to answer those difficult, lingering questions and plan ahead.
"Lots of folks call our office and don’t know where to start," Sanders said. "They’re trying to find different resources for their loved ones but are sometimes unsure of the options available."
She urges them to explore a variety of options that may be available at their local hospital.
For example, BHS offers a plethora of senior care services that promote health and wellness through its Senior Choices Program for a low annual fee. Among the discounted services offered are hospital room upgrades from semiprivate to private room, driver safety classes, one-day trips, insurance and a Lifeline service.
Lifeline is an emergency response service designed for seniors living alone. If the person is in need of emergency assistance, then he or she activates the help button worn around the wrist or neck. It then automatically dials the response center, which puts a representative in action to help.
Sanders added that families should consider their parents’ residential needs and the options available are diverse — from independent living in an apartmentlike setting at a retirement facility to in-home care. Two main considerations are the degree of independence and the individual’s personal preference.
"Some facilities like BHS Senior Housing offer service coordinators who can sit down with the person and families to discuss the options available," Sanders said. "It helps to have someone there to lay out the options families have."
Billy Austin also said providing adequate housing for aging parents is a vital need to consider. As president of Alabama Baptist Retirement Centers, Austin oversees five facilities housing retired seniors. He said that by 2011, the first baby boomers will be 65 years old, ushering in unprecedented needs in senior adult care.
Austin said caring for parents is not only the right thing to do from a social standpoint but also from a biblical one. "It’s part of the commandment to honor our parents. I cannot imagine God not wanting us to care for our parents."
For tips on how to support a relative transitioning to long-term care, visit www.thealabamabaptist.org and search for "long-term care."
For information on the BHS Senior Choices Program, visit www.bhsala.com and search for "senior choices."
The Baptist Foundation of Alabama also offers senior adult resources through its ElderCare Ministry. Visit www.tbfa.org for information.
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