Solo Ager is a term coined by the senior industry community.
A Solo Ager is defined as someone who reaches old age with no family or friends left to provide care for them. A shortage of caregivers in our aging society is already a serious issue and is projected to worsen.
Baby boomers need to be proactive in addressing the questions that inevitably accompany aging. Conversations, even with oneself, about old age and the end of life are difficult. Start by writing down worries and concerns, and try to answer the hard questions about dying and death.
- What happens if I can no longer drive?
- Who will support me during a hospitalization and after discharge to home?
- Who will help me manage my monthly bills?
- Where should I live when I can no longer manage my residence independently?
- How will I maintain a healthy lifestyle that includes good nutrition, recreation, exercise, etc.?
These questions and more likely will lead to a need for dialogues with loved ones, trusted healthcare providers, spiritual leaders, and legal counsel. In turn, these dialogues help to build a circle of care – a team of care managers and care providers.
Resources that help facilitate difficult end-of-life planning conversations include:
- Five Wishes: This is a type of living will (written with assistance from the American Bar Association) that can be accessed online, or you can order a hard copy. Unlike other living will formats, Five Wishes addresses your personal, emotional, and spiritual desires, as well as your medical wishes. Once the document has been completed and signed, it is valid in most states. The document speaks for you if you are seriously ill and cannot speak for yourself. No one will have to guess what you want. It is easy to complete.
- Advance directives: healthcare Power of Attorney (PoA), durable Power of Attorney (DPoA), Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Authorization, estate plan (will or trust). You can seek an attorney’s guidance or download documents from the Web to designate who and under what circumstances someone you appoint will act on your behalf.
Working through these exercises and documents is a way to identify and name the people that you want on your team. A Solo Ager, parents of an only child, and estranged families are examples of individuals and circumstances where one may need to look beyond traditional family supports for trustworthy friends or professionals to serve as one’s health or financial proxy.
Often, a Geriatric Care Manager can provide the support needed to fill gaps, such as a local emergency contact to be with you until family arrives. Maybe you need some advocacy help or education to make an informed decision. Preferred Living Solutions provides this type of care management and would be happy to discuss how we can best support you. Call our office or fill out the contact form to take the next step.
Get started today, making a plan and gathering a care team. You won’t regret it.