Older adults and their caregivers frequently face a great deal of challenges as they adjust to retirement and aging. From Medicare and Medicaid, to picking a senior living facility that is right for their needs, older adults can often become overwhelmed with navigating the complex systems and making the difficult decisions that come with aging. Caregivers also face a great deal of frustration as they struggle to assist a loved one through these processes. Both older adults and their caregivers frequently have many questions, and some may not have ready access to the information they need to make the most informed decision. Often, it can seem like the answers are difficult to find and even more difficult to understand.  

Seniors must also face several adjustments in their living arrangements as they grow older. As an older couple becomes less able to maintain the four bedroom house in which they raised children, they may want to downsize to a smaller home or a retirement community, In order to maintain independence, seniors may need to modify their current home by installing adaptive equipment such as a grab bar, a ramp, or a handicap accessible bathtub. To remain in their homes, seniors may need to hire a home health agency to assist them in the upkeep of their home and with day to day tasks. As an older adult requires more care, they must often move either temporarily or permanently into a senior facility, where they must then adjust to a new living situation and new people. Additionally, finding the most appropriate living arrangement for the senior’s individual needs and preferences can also be difficult. Where can we find a grab bar, and how much will it cost? Is home health care going to feasibly enable dad to stay at home? Will my mom have to apply for Medicaid? Would I prefer to live in a small facility or a large one? Apart from the process of adjusting to the changes and emotions around moving to a facility, accessing the resources necessary to answer these questions or make an educated decision can be difficult. 

Retirement in and of itself is a tremendous lifestyle change; in addition to the fixed income, new health insurance, and housing adjustments, seniors must restructure their daily routine and find new activities in which to engage themselves. In order to remain active, seniors may choose to visit senior centers, which offer a variety of activities, classes and programs, or also volunteer their time. A connection to the community is vital to a senior’s mental, emotional, and physical well-being. In the search for activities, there are many factors to consider. What volunteer opportunities are there close to my house? What kind of work do I really enjoy doing? Will the center provide transportation to and from, or will I be able to make other arrangements? What activities do they offer, and are these activities something I would be interested in? Are there meals provided? Are there any costs associated with this? A reliable resource goes a long way in providing a senior with quality activity options.  

Cost of attendance is $7 for the first ticket and $3.50 for a second ticket. Groups of 10 or more can attend for $5 apiece.