Are you a Baby Boomer Adult who is faced with changes in an aging parent, family member or friend? … or are you a senior who is faced with the reality of aging and don’t know where to start to get the help you need? Sometimes the reality is very scary for both the adult children and the seniors themselves.

Many adult children of aging seniors have a rough time approaching the hard questions to discuss with their family members. Here are some tips that may help you.

1. Get Started. As an adult child, start observing and gathering information carefully and thoughtfully. Don’t jump to conclusions just because you see some changes in your senior’s behavior or health condition. Gather information, ask questions, talk to caregivers, elder care experts, doctors, and friends to find the best solutions. Have a plan in place for the different “what if” scenarios.

2. Talk it out. Approach your parents or family members with a conversation. Discuss what you observed and ask what they think is going on. If your family member or friend acknowledges the situation, ask what they think would be a good solution. If they say what most seniors say – “I am fine” and you know they are NOT – you may need to ask for professional help from their doctors or a geriatric care manager. Get the conversation started and get yourself and your senior prepared.

3. Get their legal documents in order. Make sure they understand and their healthcare directives are in place. Have a conversation with the seniors in your world to make sure they have appointed and have documents for Power of Attorney for Financial, Healthcare and Mental Health. If a health problem arises and they are unable to make decisions for themselves, there is someone who is legally responsible who supports their wishes, so that the State of Washington is not making life-changing decisions for them.

4. Sooner is best. Talk sooner rather than later, after a crisis has occurred. If you know a loved one has poor eyesight or is subject to dizzy spells, talk to them about whether it is still safe for them to be alone or to still drive. Address this issue before a crisis arises. If they are no longer safe to drive and won’t willingly give up their keys, have a talk with their physician to let the senior know it is time to have some else do the driving. That way YOU don’t have to be the bad-guy. This is one of the benefits of living in an assisted-living community – the community usually provides transportation to doctor’s appointments or shopping.

5. Maximize the independence of the senior in your world. Always try to create solutions that provide the maximum independence for the older person. Look for answers that optimize strengths and compensate for problems. Help them become part of a community, a place where they can share their interests and challenges.

6. Is it time for the senior in your world to downsize their living situation? Do they still live in the “family home” that is too large or in need of repair? Do they need to prepare their home to sell and lighten their load of stuff? Do they live in a retirement community but now need more help or services? Is it time to consider an assisted living community so they can have help managing their medications, where they don’t have to maintain their home or yard, or where they have their meals prepared for them so they are eating to keep themselves healthy and strong? Have they been diagnosed with dementia and are starting to wander so they’re no longer safe at home? Bring them for a visit so they can experience the lifestyle, enjoy a free restaurant-style meal and see how they can be successful as their care needs increase.

As our population ages, there are many options available to seniors that support the lifestyle that fits their needs. I love to help seniors look at options to find the right choice to fit their current and changing needs.

Linda Morris is the marketing director at Auburn Meadows. Reach her at 253-333-0171.