WHAT’S YOUR PLAN is a monthly advice series from The Atrium at the Cedars in print on Sundays and online here

THIS MONTH’S GUEST EXPERT IS MARY HARMON – Originally from Topsham, where she and her late husband Richard raised four children, Adelle was active in her faith and school communities there. A Cedars resident since 2008, Mary serves as editor of the weekly Cedarsview newsletter, and is an active member of the art and gardening clubs. Mary has nine grandchildren, two great-grands and 3 “grand-dogs.”

ADVANCE DIRECTIVES
What are they, do you need one, and why are they so hard to talk about?
Start the talk with your family about creating an Advance Directive. Visit thecedarsportland.org to download the form and for tips on how to get the conversation started. Make a plan to talk with your parent(s) this month about creating an Advance Directive. Visit thecedarsportland.org to download the form and for tips on how to get the conversation started.

MARY’S ADVICE: “Call your adult kids today. Tell them you read this article and that I said it’s important to have this talk. Sure, these conversations may be hard to start, but having a plan is a sign of respect, plain and simple. For yourself, for your care and medical staff, and for your family”.

MEDICARE, MAINECARE
What’s the difference? Do you qualify? Are these programs as complicated as they seem?
Start the talk with your family about creating an Advance Directive. Visit thecedarsportland.org to download the form and for tips on how to get the conversation started.
Make a plan to talk with your parent(s) this month about creating an Advanced Directive. Visit thecedarsportland.org to download the form and for tips on how to get the conversation started.
Make a plan to talk with your parent(s) this month about creating an Advanced Directive. Visit thecedarsportland.org to download the form and.

MARY’S ADVICE: “Make an appointment with the Southern Maine Agency on Aging. Their paid volunteers are trained to walk you through the whole process. Or make an appointment with Meg Swenton here at the Cedars. She’s been an invaluable resource for me and my son for years now. 207 749-5522 ext. 3216”


Other Topics Covered:

SENIOR HEALTH
AGING AND EXERCISE
UNDERSTANDING MEDICARE
POWER OF ATTORNEY
MEDICAL POWER OF ATTORNEY
ADVANCE DIRECTIVES
STRATEGIES FOR SENIOR SUCCESS
UNDERSTANDING HOW
YOUR FINANCES IMPACT YOUR
SENIOR LIVING AND CARE NEEDS
PREPARING A WILL
GOING FROM INDEPENDENT TO
HEARTHEALTH 101
ASSISTED LIVING
RECOGNIZING MEMORY CARE NEEDS
WESTERN V. EASTERN MEDICINE
SENIOR DISCOUNTS
INTERNET 101
AVOIDING SENIOR PHONE SCAMS
SENIOR YOGA
MENTAL HEALTH


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