Test Yourself—Are you ready for your care-years?

1. I know that my retirement years consist of 2 parts—the well-deserved, relaxing, independent years and the changing health, increased dependency care-years and I have an understanding of the needs of ‘both' stages. - Yes/No
 
2. I have a good grasp of my financial, legal, and insurance affairs—I feel confident that all my necessary documents are up-to-date and in order. - Yes/No

3. I have made my end-of-life wishes known (i.e. written a will and discussed services with a family member).  Yes/No
 
4. I feel confident that I have a good retirement plan in place—because it takes into consideration the financial impact from my changing health care needs.  Yes/No
 
5. I know at least one government agency in my community with the responsibility for seniors' health needs and I am aware of one of the programs offered through that department.  Yes/No
 
6. I know what to look for and how to elder-safe my home (inside and out) in order to reduce potential accidents.  Yes/No
 
7. I understand the medications I am taking and I have asked about many of the possible side-effects related to those medications and the signs to watch for.  Yes/No

8. I know what to do during health emergencies and I am familiar with some of our local hospital's special resources for seniors.  Yes/No
 
9. I am aware of some of the subtle signs of dementia to watch for in my family members (i.e. the need for routines).  Yes/No

10. I am aware of the various care-programs in my community (i.e. at-home services, live-in caregivers, rehabilitation services, adult daycare options, carehome living, assisted living complexes) and know how to request these.  Yes/No
 
11. I understand many of the costs associated with the care-years (i.e carehome fees, live-in caregiver salaries, therapy costs, medications, cleaning services, special equipment) and realize that there is now a special insurance policy available to help me cover certain care costs when needed.  Yes/No

12. I am confident that there will be ‘few surprises' for my family to contend with during my senior years because my ‘house is in order'.  Yes/No

If you have two or more ‘no' answers, organize a seminar for your community!