Ahhhhh – your first day of retirement finally arrives after years of dreaming and planning.  You now have the time and energy to do all the things you’ve wanted to do.  At this stage of retirement, you want to make up for all the things you postponed because you were working and raising a family.

The years go rushing by and you begin to slow down.  There may be a few more aches and pains, you don’t remember things as well as you used to – that is all part of the aging process.  You no longer feel the need to actively fill every minute of the day – you are content to stay at home and watch TV or read a good book.   Welcome to what many experts refer to as phase two of retirement.  You are still independent and able to make your own decisions and take care of yourself – life is good.

During the third phase of retirement, life as you know it, begins to change.  This phase may begin gradually.  It may take a while to notice it or it may strike without warning. What do you do if your spouse enters this phase before you and you are faced with making decisions regarding the care of your spouse?  Who can you turn to for help?

In years past, elderly people lived at home until they could no longer live alone or it became too difficult for the family to care for them.  Then they were placed in a “nursing home”.  Most people, when they hear “nursing home” think of a urine smelling building, where people went to die.  For a child, it was scary to go to visit Grandma or Grandpa.

As seniors need to make changes in their lifestyle, the options have also increased considerably over the past few years. The choices are now more complex.   Can they stay in their own home, or should they move to a Senior Community?   Should they move into a senior independent living apartment, where assistance is available or move to an assisted living facility where they will receive constant care?  What is the difference?

Within each option are more options.  For example, you decide to stay in your home.  Do you need some simple modifications, such as grab bars in the tub, to make the environment safer?  If help is needed, do you need a skilled nursing agency, non-medical agency, or chore services?  In many cases, medical professionals, including doctors and dentists, will make house calls.  Is this the right option for you?  What other products and services would help you live your remaining years in the comfort of your own home and with your dignity intact?

Of course, in making any decision, the question of “what can I afford?” always arises.  Will some of the services be covered by Medicare or Medicare supplemental?  Will a long-term care policy cover any of these options?   Are you eligible for Medicaid or perhaps Veterans benefits?   Is your power of attorney up-to date?  What about your will and/or trust?   Questions like these are endless.   There is no right or wrong answer for any of them.  The answers come from the individuals and families involved.
SENIOR CHOICES, LLC, was created to provide you with valuable information to assist in the decision making process during this difficult time.  We are an independent liaison between families and facilities.  We also partner with companies offering products and services that may make it possible for you to stay in your home.  We will evaluate your personal situation and we will work with you and your family, to find a solution(s) that is in your best interest.  We will make recommendations and create an action plan.  Once the best course of action has been determined, we will help you implement your plan.

If you or someone you know is in this difficult position, there is solution! Call Judy Doyle-Martin at 586-914-4630. SENIOR CHOICES, LLC, located in Macomb County, Michigan will help you make informed decisions for peace of mind.