Frequently Asked Questions

Q. My father is becoming very forgetful, and his memory seems to have gotten especially bad during the past few months.  Whenever we remind him of something he’s forgotten, he becomes very angry.  I’ve heard that a lot of older people get Alzheimer’s Disease, and I remember that his mother also had some memory loss during the last few years of her life.  Do you think my dad has Alzheimer’s?  And if so, what can we do about it?

A. Alzheimer’s Disease is only one of a number of causes for dementia.  Only a doctor can tell you what is causing your father’s memory loss.  It’s important to get as early a diagnosis as possible.  Although AD is not reversible, there are treatments available that may slow the progression of the disease, and other forms of dementia can sometimes be reversed when the cause is treated.  For more information check out the Alzheimer's Association web site.

Q.Mother just celebrated her 80th birthday.  She’s still living at home and is not yet willing to move to an apartment, but we notice that the house isn’t as well kept as it used to be, and she has fallen a couple of times.  We wonder what help she needs and what is available for her in her community.  Neither my brother nor I live close, and we worry about her.

A.Each community will have different services available for senior adults.  The U.S. Administration on Aging from the Department on Human Services lists a number of resources available to older adults and their families.  The Iowa Department of Elder Affairs is another good resource.

Q.  My aunt fell and broke her hip, and the doctor says she is no longer able to live alone.  Aunt Nellie has no children, and her husband has been gone for many years, so the responsibility for helping her has fallen to me.  I don’t know where to start!  How does one go about finding a clean, safe and comfortable nursing home for a beloved family member?

A. There are many levels of long-term care available to senior adults who can no longer maintain their own homes—everything from independent living and various levels of assisted living, to full-care facilities and memory units.  The U.S. Administration on Aging and National Association of Area Agencies on Aging listed above have information that may be helpful as you begin your search.  AARP also has helpful information on long-term care.  Before you decide, however, be sure to visit the homes you’re considering and talk to others who have relatives who live there.

Q. Is there any information that might be helpful to our congregation as we work to improve our ministry with our senior adults?

A. The Center for Healthy Aging, Ministries, Programs and Services (CHAMPS) has some excellent resources. Check out their web site.

Q. I'm an older adult. Since retirement I often feel useless. I want to continue to live out my faith in a way that feels useful to me and connect with other elder Christians. Any ideas?

A. There are many ways for elder adults to use their talents and gifts through their congregations, civic organizations and offering a helping hand to neighbors and friends who may need some caregiving respite or a ride to the doctor. There are also organizations that offer opportunities to serve and/or are geared to the elder adult and their interests. Here are some organizations you might want to check out.

- American Hospice Foundation
- America's Second Harvest
- Big Brothers, Big Sisters of America
- Meals-on-Wheels Association of America
- Habitat for Humanity
- Association of Lutheran Older Adults