As we get older and face possible illness or incapacitation, we don’t want to become a burden on others. Knowing your options beforehand and making decisions early is a great way to ensure peace of mind now and a good death in the end.
As we get older and face possible illness or incapacitation, we don’t want to become a burden on others. Knowing your options beforehand and making decisions early is a great way to ensure peace of mind now and a good death in the end.
Beginning Saturday, September 23, Fairfield Cares, with the sponsorship of the Fairfield Public Library, is offering a free three-part series called “Revisioning Our Dying: Practical Steps, Proven Possibilities” on Saturdays, 1:30–3:30 p.m. in the library Meeting Room.
What Are the Levels of Care? September 23
The first talk in the series will be led by Jennifer Hamilton, Fairfield’s respected senior health-care and hospice veteran. Many are not familiar with the options available as we age and need more help. What is independent living, home care, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing care, and hospice? When does one qualify? Who pays for what?
Be Prepared: End of Life Finances & Legalities September 30
Led by Fairfield attorney Shane Zisman, the second talk will cover the aspects of finances, insurance, deeds, wills, trusts, and power of attorney that will enable attendees to decide essential questions and give directive powers to those they trust. When these matters are dealt with before any serious mental or physical impairment occurs, the benefits to family and loved ones are enormous. Harmony can prevail and conflicts can be avoided.
Five Wishes: Letting Others Know Exactly How You Want to Be Treated – October 7
Jennifer Hamilton, who has assisted many people in thinking about death and filling out a living will, will lead this talk.
A living will addresses your personal, emotional, medical, and spiritual needs and lets you define exactly how you wish to be treated if you get seriously ill. The American Bar Association’s Commission on the Legal Problems of the Elderly and leading experts in end-of-life care have helped to create this popular and easy-to-use document.
The Fairfield Cares Survey
In August, Jennifer Hamilton, on behalf of Fairfield Cares, received a grant from the Greater Jefferson County Foundation to survey county residents in an effort to expand alternative health-care offerings for our aging and disabled citizens. The Fairfield community is faced with a rapidly increasingly older population. Census data reveal that more than 26 percent of residents—2,167 of our 8,172 adult residents—are 65 and older.
Each year, more of these people need in-home health care and support services to continue living independently. Additionally, 11.1 percent (908 individuals) of our residents under age 65 who are temporarily or permanently disabled are also in need of these services. For residents who live alone or are part of an aging couple, the need for services can be even greater.
Fairfield Cares personnel will survey organizations, agencies, and community members to obtain data that identifies gaps in home-based health care, social supports, and other services for those struggling to maintain independence. This data is critical in taking the next steps not only of developing our organization’s programs and services, but also of strengthening our community’s resources to better coordinate with service providers. In addition, hard data will enable Fairfield Cares to apply for major government and private grants, thereby bringing substantial funding, along with jobs, to Fairfield.
In the coming months, Fairfield residents will be seeing Fairfield Cares tables with information and survey materials at art walks, farmers markets, stores, and local events. If you are asked, we hope you will participate. Everyone needs to contribute to these efforts if we intend to age and die well in our community.
For more information on the series, contact the Fairfield Public Library at (641) 472-6551 or visit FairfieldCares.net.
Fairfield Cares organizes short-term home-care services for those in need. It is also working to develop a better system to enable elders to stay in their homes as long as possible. A long-term goal is to create a nonprofit, homelike skilled nursing facility in Fairfield. To these ends, Fairfield Cares has been researching and applying for grants.