We all navigate life’s changes, some that we plan diligently for and others that catch us completely off-guard. Unplanned life changes often times induce panic and cause us to react under duress in dealing with crisis or uncertainty. However, many times it doesn’t have to be that way! While you can’t necessarily plan out all of the details for dealing with unexpected situations in advance, you CAN build your knowledge of and awareness about resources that are available to connect with should certain things occur.

Photo-Joanne-Carlberg-Good-Samaritan-Society-Millard-Omaha-NebraskaWhile we can try our best to take the appropriate precautions to avoid injury and illness, these occurrences certainly can’t be eluded altogether. Beating these odds may happen for a few lucky individuals, but for the most part we will all have to deal with an unexpected accident, injury, illness, or other medical condition that will have an impact on our day-to-day lives, whether temporarily in the best case scenario or permanently in the worst. “Surgery, injury or illness can turn a person’s life upside down,” says Joanne Carlberg of Good Samaritan Society–Millard.  “With patience and compassion, we’ll help you reach your goals and get you back to your home, your family, and your life as fast as humanly possible. We take great pride in providing quality services to our patients, and are continually striving to meet the needs of individuals and families in our community. Recovery can be physically, mentally and emotionally challenging.   At Good Samaritan Society-Millard, ‘care’ is about more than healing the physical pain. It is about wholeness. How positive and determined someone is can make all the difference. We believe the most effective therapy treats your body, mind and soul. That’s our approach to rehab therapy at Good Samaritan Society-Millard.

Our post-acute rehab rooms have been designed with our clients’ comfort in mind; all guest suites are private and equipped to ease the transition from hospital to home. After being in the hospital there’s nothing the average person wants more than to return to life as usual–except there is no average person. No two people are alike physically, mentally or emotionally. Their rehab therapy needs to fit them specifically, with an emphasis on what will most effectively speed their recovery. By creating an approach to therapy tailored to individual needs our multidisciplinary team focuses on helping people of all ages recover as quickly as possible and return home.”

Photo-Brad-Schmitt-DC-Schmitt-Chiropractics-and-Rehab-PC-Omaha-Nebraska“As a chiropractor, the most common unplanned life changes we come across are those associated with people suddenly dealing with severe pain,” explains Brad Schmitt, DC of Schmitt Chiropractic & Rehab, PC.  “These are usually temporary types of injuries, from a few weeks to several months required for a full recovery. However, these injuries can severely affect a person’s ability to work or even carry out simple daily functions. A very important part of this process is ruling out a more severe injury and correctly diagnosing what is causing the pain.  There are many conservative treatment options that a person has to choose from in modern times.  As a chiropractor, I make sure the joints regain their function while also working with the patient to regain muscle control and strength.

In my experience it is important for people to understand that unless they are proactive, get treatment, and do what is necessary on their own, there is a much greater chance of the episode they are dealing with to re-occur.  Pain is a symptom of dysfunction, and there is usually dysfunction occurring long before the pain presents itself.  Unless that dysfunction is dealt with, the pain unfortunately has a much greater chance of coming back. The most difficult part of these sudden injuries is usually being able to continue working through the pain, and getting through each day with the pain.  The people that get through these challenges the best take an active approach in their care.  Along with the chiropractic and rehabilitation treatment, the patient must follow home recommendations if they want to get back to a pain-free state as soon as possible.”

Photo-Kelli-Donner--Comfort-Keepers-Omaha-NebraskaFollowing the necessary protocol once at home may also require additional assistance in some cases. “Many things can lead to the need for in-home care services such as an unexpected fall, a decline in health or the ability to care for one’s self, a sudden illness such as a heart attack or stroke, loss of vision or hearing or the loss of a spouse that often causes depression and a decline in the surviving senior’s health,” explains Kelli Donner of Comfort Keepers Omaha. “Home care can be incredibly beneficial in situations such as these as most agencies will tailor the service plans to the client’s needs.  Often times, a little assistance is all one needs to remain independent in their own home.   Comfort Keepers conducts an in-home assessment for each of our clients, during which time a nurse listens to the client and their family members and creates a personalized Plan of Care based on their specific needs.   Home care can be one of the more affordable solutions to help someone continuing living at home even after a life changing event or illness. Comfort Keepers can provide assistance with everything from light housekeeping to total care for as long as the extra help is needed.”

Photo-Lisa-Arp-SilverRidge-Omaha-NebraskaWhile anyone might find him or herself in a situation that requires an extended stay in a rehabilitation facility, seniors are particularly susceptible to sustaining injuries that require extensive rehabilitation which would necessitate a move to a skilled care or assisted living facility. “Unplanned life events for the elderly are numerous, but the most common are falls,” advises Lisa Arp of SilverRidge Assisted Living & Memory Support in Gretna. “Someone could break a hip at their home and their life will change dramatically. Whether a surgery fix such as a partial or total replacement is necessary or not, the resident will likely undergo a hospital stay and then a period of time in a rehabilitation center. This could change their life to the extreme of having to move from their home to an assisted living facility or maybe even a skilled facility, depending on how well their rehabilitation goes. Our concern at SilverRidge Assisted Living is that folks do a lot of activities that they shouldn’t such as mowing lawn, shoveling or climbing on ladders, etc.  We are well aware that folks would love to remain in their homes as long as possible; however, there comes a time when a move may be necessary to prevent these unplanned events and improve quality as well as longevity of life. Open dialogue about these facilities and what they provide is a very important, but often difficult, step to take. We know it is hard to bring up to our loved ones, but it is necessary. On my radio show ‘Aging Matters with Lisa’ I discuss all of these options for seniors to try to keep them informed on what is out there for them. It airs from 4-5 p.m. on 660 AM KCRO. Facilities are not like they used to be; independence is still achievable and you can still do many of the things that you are used to.  Especially regarding family members, if you think your loved is close to making such a move for their safety it is really important to create open dialogue, visit some facilities and compile some information so you are well informed on what is out there when the time comes for a move.”

Injuries aren’t the only health concerns that need to be addressed so that we can move on to lead happy, healthy and fulfilling lives. As we age our bodies change and a number of medical conditions have the potential to present themselves unexpectedly. However, we are lucky enough to live in a time where many things that affect our health can be effectively treated so we can go back to enjoying life as usual.

Photo_Christopher_Asandra_MD_NuMale_Medical_Center_Omaha_Nebraska“At NuMale Medical Center, I regularly see patients whose health is getting in the way of their lives,” explains Dr. Christopher Asandra of NuMale Medical Center. “As it pertains to my field, suffering from a condition like erectile dysfunction (ED) can really rob a man of his confidence and it often has a profound effect on my patients’ relationships. Though it is often the subject of late-night TV jokes, erectile dysfunction makes intimacy difficult or impossible, which cause real psychological and emotional harm to men and their partners.  We can treat these conditions, but, as they say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. It sounds trite but eating right, exercising, sleeping enough, and avoiding tobacco can lead to dramatic health improvements. A truly healthy lifestyle can prevent the onset of some conditions (like type II diabetes and high blood pressure) that contribute to erectile dysfunction, and reverse their effects in many cases.

We take a three-pronged approach to treating erectile dysfunction. While many men take oral medication for ED, these drugs come with serious side effects. Better options are available, and at NuMale, we run extensive lab tests to customize the ideal medication for each individual patient. Next, we ensure that patients’ testosterone levels are correct, and treat those who need it with testosterone replacement therapy. Finally, we offer our patients the Priapus shot, which uses platelet-rich plasma (PRP) from a patient’s own body to jump start and rejuvenate the penile tissue. The results of this three-pronged approach are often life-changing.

It may seem surprising that health can have such a serious impact on a man’s relationship. But from ED to low testosterone, weight gain and more, medical conditions really do affect quality of life. These conditions can be treated, often relatively easily, and they deserve to be taken seriously.”

Photo-Brian-Curtis-Remington-HeightsCoping with life’s unplanned changes in general can be quite trying, but it’s necessary to move forward past the change itself to everything that will happen afterwards as a result. “We all think we’re going to age gracefully and then a health incident occurs, we’re in an accident or a loved one who served as our support system dies or moves away,” adds Brian Curtis, General Manager of Remington Heights. “For seniors a sudden and unexpected change such as the death of a spouse or caregiver or the loss of a driver’s license or the ability to make independent decisions can create a crisis and instead of ‘taking the time to choose a senior living community’ they are forced to make a decision in the midst of a crisis situation. Having worked in the senior living industry for over 15 years I’ve seen many unplanned life changes that impact a senior’s decision in how they will live out the rest of their life.

My best advice is to make the decision to move into a senior living community when you’re still able to enjoy the many benefits offered.  Make the decision when YOU can make the decision on your time frame and at your convenience.  Don’t wait until a crisis occurs and you’re forced to make decisions with no time to consider the alternatives.  Too often a senior’s decision to move to retirement community is prompted by a crisis.  The most common statement I’ve heard over the years is, ‘I wish I would have moved in sooner when I was healthier and could have enjoyed all of the amenities offered by the community.’

Above all, plan for the unexpected and plan for today.  None of us knows how long we are going to live or what your health will be like tomorrow.  Live within your means but live for today.  You know your health today.  You know your finances today.  If you can afford to move into a retirement community and that’s what you want to do, then do it.  Don’t wait.  The best gift you can give your children is peace of mind knowing that YOU made the choice to move into a retirement community on your time frame and in a place you wanted to be.  I don’t know of a single child who wants to make the decision for a parent but I know hundreds that have had too and that’s a difficult decision for both them and their parents.

At Remington Heights we provide countless opportunities for seniors and their adult children to learn about the many services offered in retirement living.  We host educational events, seminars and activities all designed to introduce people to retirement living.  Retirement choices have changed over the years and there are so many options.  We encourage our prospects to look around at a variety of communities and to ask questions.  Only the prospect knows what he/she wants or needs and Remington Heights staff is here to assist them in developing the questions to ask and then helping them find the best place for them. The only thing certain about change is change.  Life happens and the only way to ensure that you get to be involved in the decision that affects you is to ensure you don’t wait for a crisis to force you into a decision.”

Photo-Roxann-Rogers-Meyer-Immanuel-Communities-Omaha-Nebraska “The health and well-being of a loved one can take an unexpected turn and families are faced with finding a senior living community that can address the immediate needs of the senior,” agrees Roxann Rogers-Meyer of Immanuel Communities. “Immanuel Communities experiences the unplanned life changes of seniors every day as we work with families to find the appropriate resources. The decisions on care and senior living options often come with complications including health status, finances, insurance,  family dynamics, lack of future planning or understanding the various levels of care that are available. Sometimes we are dealing with an adult child who has just been told by the family physician that Mom can no longer live at home safely and that adult child is scrambling to find the solution.  This unplanned life change is complicated by the fact that the adult child and the Mom have never had a conversation about a potential move to a senior living community.

The current campaign for Immanuel Communities focuses on seniors and their adult children having an awkward conversation. It is important to have that conversation before you are dealing with a crisis situation. The conversation can include a plan for the future, understanding the choices for senior housing and senior services, detailing the financial picture, discussing end of life plans and most importantly respecting the wishes of your loved one. Our marketing and healthcare teams at Immanuel Communities  will partner with our prospective residents to guide them on this difficult journey  to find the right approach that will bring peace to everyone involved in the decision making process. It is truly a gift to your loved ones to get the conversation started.”

Photo_Kristina_Krumme_Elk_Ridge_Village_Omaha_Nebraska“We often find that once people start looking into a retirement community setting, the information they receive and experiences they have put them more at peace as they become more comfortable with knowing that they will be able to make the right decision for themselves on their terms. It’s always better to make the move while one is feeling good, can adapt to the change, and is able to enjoy all of the activities and amenities a retirement community has to offer instead of waiting until their health or an event forces them into a move,” emphasizes Kristina Krumme of Elk Ridge Village. “Making the transition this way is much easier on the individual moving into the retirement community as well as their family.

We also encourage families to talk about this transition in life. Yes, sometimes it can be an uncomfortable or avoidable subject. But as we all know, change is a part of life. Being prepared and having the important conversations or a family meeting on your own terms is an approach that will allow you to make the best decisions possible. It’s not only important to talk about retirement living; health concerns should be addressed and power of attorney should be in place prior to making the move. Along with covering these crucial topics, make sure that you know if your parent or loved one has long term care insurance, if they have a will in place, and it’s also helpful to have an idea of where they are at with their finances. The best way to address all of the questions and concerns is to get everything out on the table well ahead of time so that you are able to sensibly plan for the future as opposed to dealing with situations that may arise in a state of panic.”

Photo-Mark-Kresl-Midwest-Geriatrics-Inc-Omaha-Nebraska“The most common unplanned life changes that I see are families facing decisions about the care of a loved one that they had not planned or prepared for,” adds Mark Kresl of Midwest Geriatrics Inc. “Many times a family will be told that their loved one must have additional care, either in the home or in a care community. They often have to make a decision in a matter of hours or a few days.  The decision that they make will have a profound effect on the loved one’s life and happiness.  The best advice I can give to anyone is to not wait to learn about eldercare options.  If you have a parent or loved one who is starting to show signs of needing help or has health issues that could require intervention, start investigating your options right away so you can make the most informed decision and the select the care that best suits the needs of that loved one. There are many options in eldercare depending on the need of the individual. Some of those options include non-medical in-home care, in-home nursing care, assisted-living, skilled nursing, and memory care. Your loved one can be evaluated by a professional at no cost and that person could explain the options that best suit the needs of your loved ones.

Don’t wait until you are faced with having to make a decision to begin researching options. Begin planning today. There are many issues at stake here.  In addition to wanting the best care possible for your loved one, there are financial issues that can be addressed today that can make things go much smoother when the time comes. There are many resources available to help you learn about eldercare. The Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging (ENOA.org) is the best place to start.  ENOA is a state agency whose sole focus is to serve as a resource to the community in the area of aging. Also, Care Consultants for the Aging produces a resource handbook that lists different care providers in the Omaha area and their areas of expertise.  You can get this information for free by visiting www.careconsultants.com, or opt to call (402) 398-1848 to receive the book for a nominal charge.  Finally, many in-home care agencies provide free evaluations of your loved ones and can point you in the right direction. One such agency is Empower Home Care.  They can be found at www.empowerhomecare.com or at 844-44-EMPOWER.”

Photo-Karla-Frese-Walnut-Grove-Omaha-Nebraska“Exploring the many senior living options before the actual need for services exists is the single biggest step adult children can take to advocate for their parents,” advises Karla Frese of Walnut Grove Retirement Resort. “We provide a one-stop source of information with an extensive network of resources and awareness of the market to be of assistance to all adult children in the research mode.

Life changes we see most in the seniors we work with are loneliness, lack of proper nutrition and exercise, and no longer able to drive safely.  The loss of a lifelong partner can leave a person not only with a house to maintain and major changes in their normal daily routine, but alone and fearful in ways that they might not tell others.

When seniors move into an Independent Retirement environment, we see and help them thrive in many areas.  Not only do they eat three nutritionally-balanced meals each day, but mealtime becomes a time of togetherness and socialization.  There is no food preparation, no dishes, and no leftovers.  Just walking to and from one meal gives them more exercise than they would have gotten at home in an entire day.  There is no need to mow the lawn, climb a ladder to change a light bulb, pull weeds, or shovel snow, which could result in an injury causing additional unplanned life changes.  Transportation is available to increase their independence.  Family members feel liberated and have a sense of relief from the role of caregiver. They are able to assure that time now spent with their parent is meaningful and of high-quality, knowing their needs are being taken care of, and are in a safer environment. Independent living is full of choices and senior living consultants can help families with a new plan, to be healthier and happier during retirement.   It is rewarding to witness seniors develop new friendships, re-discover purpose, and have scheduled activities, games, transportation, and entertainment to look forward to each week.  They discover in a very short period of time they have become part of a community, in every meaning of the word.

Many communities are getting full with a wait list; it is very important to start planning ahead of time. Ask how to get on the wait list, if there is an initial deposit and if it’s refundable. Also, at many communities you are welcome to simply walk in and request to tour the facility any day of the week or weekend and see what the community is really like.  Ask for a copy of the rental or lease agreement, read it over beforehand. The only regret our residents commonly share is that they wish they would have made a plan sooner. It is important that you or your loved one chooses where to start their retirement so that if and when an unplanned change arises, you’ve already made a plan.”

While life’s unplanned changes are inevitable, moving past them is too as “time stops for no one.” Life happens and we can choose to be prepared or we can choose to react when the time comes. Omaha has far too many valuable resources available to get stuck in the latter category and forced to make decisions in the midst of a crisis. Whether you just want to talk about a few things or need assistance with a major life change, the help you need is just a phone call or a visit away!