A new class at First Unitarian, Fall, 2026
A collaborative inquiry for seniors and the children of seniors in First Unitarian.
- How do you live well:
- If you want to stay in your home?
- If you are ready for a senior living center or assisted living center?
- How do you guard your health and stay active?
- How do you prepare for the emotional, financial, and legal challenges?
- How do you prepare for death?
This class will be a combination of collaborative inquiry led by class members to explore the issues and a consultation with experts that we have identified.
- Aging in place: We will start with a Forum on 8/23/26, from Crystal Doig from Aging Resources. This will include home safety and modifications and getting help in your home. This agency provides options counseling, case management, assisted transportation or transportation services, behavioral health supports, chore assistance, homemaker services, material aid, personal care, and respite care
- Emotional challenges of aging: Thinking about the emotional challenges of aging. Sharing personal desires, fears, and goals.
- Living with other seniors: The advantages and disadvantages of living with other seniors. The variety of senior living options: senior apartments that are income restricted (and not), continuum of care facilities (such as Scottish Rite, Wesley, Edgewater, Walnut Ridge), assisted living, and skilled care facilities. Not-for-profit or for-profit? Sizable entry fee or month by month? Financial issues for senior living facilities. A senior placement specialist outlines local housing options and costs.
- Financial/legal readiness: Wills, trusts, power of attorney for health care and for finances. Protecting against fraud. Navigating long-term care insurance, Medicare and Medicaid, veteran’s support. A local attorney will lead this discussion.
- Death with dignity: Dialogue on theological, spiritual, and emotional perspectives on death. We’ll discuss death with dignity. A death doula explains final arrangements.
Our topics
Manage Finances and Legalities
- Funding care: Navigating long-term care insurance, Medicaid, and veteran benefits.
- Managing fraud: Preventing financial scams that target vulnerable elderly populations.
- Assigning authority: Establishing durable power of attorney and healthcare proxies.
- Paying for options: Comparing out-of-pocket costs of home care versus facilities.
Navigate Health and Logistics
- Navigating dementia: Preparing for cognitive decline, memory care, and safety needs.
- Managing medication: Handling complex daily pill regimens and tracking medical appointments.
- Hiring caregivers: Vetting, paying, and managing in-home health aides safely.
- Stopping driving: Planning for the emotional transition of giving up car keys.
Cultivate Community and Wellbeing
- Combating isolation: Maintaining deep social connections outside of family members.
- Supporting caregivers: Addressing burnout, grief, and boundaries for family caregivers.
- Evolving identity: Finding purpose after retirement through UU community volunteerism.
- Overcoming resistance: Dealing with the stubbornness or denial of changing needs.
Deepen Legacy and Spirit
- Drafting ethical wills: Writing down values, life lessons, and spiritual blessings.
- Planning UU services: Designing individual memorial services with Rev. Sieck.
- Decluttering possessions: Embracing death cleaning to reduce burdens on heirs.
- Reconciling relationships: Resolving old conflicts to achieve emotional peace.
Guarding your health
Let us know your interest by clicking HERE.