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Planning for caregiving and related needs — such as housing, transportation, socialization and health — is crucial for ensuring a high quality of life for older adults and their caregivers in Bastrop County.
Despite the importance of these discussions, many families delay them, according to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. A 2020 report by the American Association of Retired Persons found that fewer than half of caregivers indicated their loved ones had future care plans in place.
This can lead to significant financial strain, especially because about 70% of people ages 65 and older will require some form of long-term care, according to the federal Administration for Community Living.
Proactive conversations about care options can alleviate stress, enhance decision- making and foster a supportive environment for everyone involved. The National Institute on Aging recommends starting these discussions before longterm care becomes necessary.
The Texas HHSC offers valuable resources to assist families. Each November and December, the HHSC Texas Talks campaign presents four new focus areas for engaging in aging- related conversations with loved ones in a compassionate and constructive manner.
This year’s Texas Talks campaign theme is “Supporting the Health of Your Loved One’s Body and Mind as They Age.”
One focus area of the campaign is mental health, which is often overlooked even though regular checkups and medication routines are common. Finding ways to support an older adult’s mental well-being can have lasting benefits.
Nutrition is another critical area, according to the commission. Staying hydrated and consuming a variety of fruits, vegetables, healthy grains and lean proteins are essential for healthy aging. Accessing nutritious foods can be challenging, making it important for caregivers to learn how to help older adults find healthy options in the community.
Physical health also plays a vital role in the aging process. While the benefits of exercise are wellknown, planning how to stay active as individuals age is necessary. Understanding how older adults can adopt healthy habits now and sustain them over time is essential.
In addition, building and maintaining relationships with friends and the community is key to social wellness. Helping older adults strengthen their social connections can help prevent loneliness, HHSC added.
For more information about the 2024 Texas Talks campaign and resources available to Bastrop County residents, readers can visit the HHS Texas Talks webpage at www. hhs.texas.gov.
