"I'm too old - really, too lazy - to take care of a house and yard. The best advice I've gotten in years was from my son who said "just one word, Dad: Condo. Move to a Condo."
Living Arrangements
The issue of long term care often surfaces painfully, frequently traumatically. Perhaps mom falls and hurts herself, or she leaves the stove on under an empty pan or dad is immobilized and suddenly confined to a wheelchair. Or they’re just plain lonesome alone in the big old house.
What to do? It’s often a painful discussion. Our folks crave stability and the thought of moving can be full of dread. It’s a tough decision even if they’ve lived in their current circumstances for a brief time. If it’s the family homestead, the suggestion of a move may be terribly upsetting.
Many families delay a move by making the current home more compatible with the elderly person’s reduced capabilities.
Upgrade/remodel current home
These are some of the remodeling projects that will prolong elders’ ability to live in their own home as their mobility is reduced.
- Replace step-over bath tub with walk-through
- Alter height of counters, as sinks, cabinets and toilets
- Install grab rails
- Move sleeping area to ground floor
- Install ramps
- Provide room for a caregiver
Move to a condo/apartment
If mom or dad has good mobility, condo living can reduce the effort involved in maintaining a house and yard. The elder will have a high degree of independence, and, depending on where they locate, amenities such as spas, pools, clubhouse and various recreational activities that may not be easily accessible in the current home.
Relocate to retirement community
Move to an area that has been built specifically for seniors. Some of the benefits might include:
- Similarly situated neighbors
- Quiet neighborhoods with limited number of visiting children
- Clubs and activities on premises tailored to seniors
- Built-in community feeling
- Group travel
- On site recreation
Independent living facility
These generally have these characteristics:
- Private apartments
- Some meals provided
- Health care – level varies with the facility, but some provide life-long services
- Allows health-challenged elder to remain near well spouse
- Community activities, clubs, entertainment and local trips
Assisted living facility
Similar to independent living facility, but with additional services such as
- Qualified personnel to assist with basic living needs – dressing, bathing, oversight of medications
- Transportation to outpatient medical facilities, trips to doctor, dentist
- Help with errands
- More extensive meal service, even bringing it to the room when the elder is not feeling well
Skilled nursing facility
- For those who require 24-hour care including complete nursing services
- Physician on call
Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC)
CCRC’s provide a spectrum of services in a single location, providing increasing care as health declines. Levels of care usually go from minimal assistance in an independent living setting for new arrivals to skilled nursing for those in decline. There is usually an “entrance fee” in addition to monthly fees.
Call Lynn Ryder at 805.644.4707