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Archive for Nursing Homes Sonoma California (CA)

Keeping Track of Seniors with Alzheimer's in Walnut Creek, California

by Frank Samson, Certified Senior Advisor · Comments (0)

26 Jun

Keeping track of seniors with Alzheimer’s

The e-mail alert shouted its message: “Missing Person with Alzheimer’s. PLEASE HELP.” It was sent to Alzheimer’s Assn. chapters and to law enforcement officials within hours after an Orange County woman disappeared while on a short trip to visit a friend…

That story has a happy ending, but many confused seniors who become lost are never found again. The Alzheimer’s Assn. estimates that 60% of individuals with Alzheimer’s will wander at least once during the progression of the disease. Up to 70% of these individuals wander more than once, and up to several times. One study reported that nearly half of those not found within 24 hours die — usually from dehydration, exposure or injury.

For elder care assistance in the Sonoma CA area, visit www.seniorcareauthority.com.

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Myths About the Aging Brain Revealed in Napa, California

by Frank Samson, Certified Senior Advisor · Comments (0)

19 Jun

For elder care information and assistance in the area, visit www.seniorcareauthority.com.

(ARA) – Who says you can’t teach a mind new tricks at any age? Recent research shows that Americans have the power to positively influence their brain function throughout life – an important realization that is especially relevant for the more than 78 million baby boomers in the United States. Brain health is one of the top health-related concerns of aging populations and has been identified by the Centers for Disease Control as a public health priority.

“The fear of memory loss and losing brain capacity looms large among the minds of boomers,” says Dr. Majid Fotuhi, a leading neurologist and author of “The Memory Cure.” “But we can maintain and even improve our brain health as we age. In fact, our brains have the ability to grow and change throughout life.”

Dr. Fotuhi debunks four common myths surrounding the brain and aging.

1. The brain stops growing after childhood.

A decade ago, many experts would have scoffed at the idea that the brains of adults, particularly older adults, could grow or develop in any significant way. But that has changed. Research increasingly suggests that each time a new skill is learned, such as playing an instrument, speaking a foreign language or even dancing, new pathways are formed and areas of the brain may grow, even well into the later years. Physical and mental exercise can alter specific brain regions, improving in cognitive function. Brain growth isn’t just for kids.

2. Once I start experiencing memory loss, it’s all downhill and there’s not much I can do.

Actually, there are a number of things you can do to improve your memory throughout life, even if you are already noticing changes. Exercise, challenging mental activities, social engagement and diet adjustments have all been shown to have positive effects on cognition and memory. In fact, a new study published online in May in Alzheimer’s & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association, showed that healthy people with memory complaints who took algal DHA capsules for six months had almost double the reduction in errors on a test that measures learning and memory performance versus those who took a placebo, a benefit roughly equivalent to having the learning and memory skills of someone three years younger. DHA (or docosahexaenoic acid) is an omega-3 fatty acid and a building block for the brain. Algal DHA products comparable to those used in this study can be found at major retailers like Walmart, CVS and Walgreens under the Algal-900 product name – look for the life’sDHA seal on these supplements to ensure you are getting an algal DHA source. For more information on foods, beverages and supplements that contain algal DHA, visit www.lifesdha.com.

3. Memory problems must mean Alzheimer’s disease.

Many people, young or old, worry that mild forgetfulness must be a sign of Alzheimer’s disease. But most people are worrying needlessly – research shows that more than 80 percent of people will never get Alzheimer’s disease. Some experts now believe that it is time to redefine everyone’s understanding of age-related memory loss and dementia. Emerging research indicates that many people experiencing memory loss and dementia actually have mixed pathologies in their brains. In fact, very few senior citizens have “pure Alzheimer’s disease.” Instead, late-life cognitive impairment may in fact be a result of multiple “hits” to the brain, from a variety of risk factors such as hypertension, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, chronic stress, head trauma and poor diet. The good news? There is the opportunity to influence brain health and function by incorporating lifestyle factors like exercise, a healthy diet, stress reduction and intellectual and social engagement. Regardless of family history, the choices a person makes in life may be able to slow the progression of age-related cognitive decline or help prevent it altogether.

4. Brightest equals youngest.

Today’s society does place an emphasis on age but, keep in mind, people over 65 rule the country. The majority of legislators, CEOs, doctors, lawyers, judges, economists and CEOs are not in their 30s or 40s, but seasoned veterans who bestow several decades of experience and expertise. Along with gray hairs come both knowledge and wisdom and you do not have to look far to find inspiring stories of accomplishment, creativity and reinvention in the second half of life. To see some inspiring profiles of aging and learn more about the actions you can take to ensure that you build and maintain a mind that is healthy and beautiful for an entire lifetime, go to beautiful-minds.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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How to Decide if an Assisted Living Facility Is a Good Fit for Your Aging Loved One in Vacaville, California

by Frank Samson, Certified Senior Advisor · Comments (1)

13 Jun

How to Decide if an Assisted Living Facility Is a Good Fit

Author explains what you can and can’t expect out of these semi-independent senior living arrangements

For seniors who may benefit from round-the-clock help, but who aren’t entirely dependent, assisted living facilities are a likely fit. Nearly 40,000 facilities nationwide make up this parcel of the senior housing landscape, and they are generally regarded as a step between a nursing home and, say, an adult day care service. But no two are alike, says Paul Hogan, cofounder and CEO of Home Instead Senior Care, a global provider of non-medical senior care at home. While the facilities generally provide help with bathing and dressing if needed, in addition, some offer occupational therapy services, for example, or may have an exercise room available to residents. That’s why it’s important to talk with your parent early on about his or her preferences and visit several facilities before deciding which one—if any—is a good place for Mom or Dad to call home, says Hogan. In their recent book, Stages of Senior Care: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Best Decisions (McGraw-Hill 2009), Hogan and his wife, Lori, touch on the pros and cons of assisted living. U.S. News asked Hogan, who is well-versed in the care options available for seniors, for guidance on how to determine if assisted living is the right choice and how to pick the best facility.

For elder care information and assistance in the Northern CA area, visit www.seniorcareauthority.com.

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Categories : Assisted Living Sonoma California (CA), Elder Care Sonoma California (CA), Home Care Sonoma California (CA), Senior Care Authority Sonoma California (CA), Senior Living Sonoma California (CA), Senior Placement Services Sonoma California (CA), Sonoma, Vacaville

What to Consider When Searching for an Assisted Living Facility in Santa Rosa, California

by Frank Samson, Certified Senior Advisor · Comments (0)

04 Jun

Visit www.seniorcareauthority.com to find out more about senior placement services available in Northern California.

9 Things to Consider in Your Search for an Assisted Living Facility

The decision to move shouldn’t be taken lightly, say experts. Here’s some guidance

As people age and need more help with daily activities, such as bathing or taking medication, moving to a facility that provides some assistance, without sacrificing independence, may be an option. This type of environment, known as assisted living, has emerged in the past two decades as an increasingly available option for housing and long-term care. In 1999, one third of the facilities that offered assisted living services had been in existence for less than five years, and 60 percent had existed for less than a decade, according to research published in January in the journal Health Affairs. The growth of assisted living facilities has leveled off in recent years, however, as the economic downturn hampered new construction and occupancy rates…

But much like deciding whether a nursing home is necessary, the decision to move into an assisted living facility is not an easy one. So what factors should you consider when looking for a place to move to?

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Categories : Assisted Living Sonoma California (CA), Elder Care Sonoma California (CA), Home Care Sonoma California (CA), Nursing Homes Sonoma California (CA), Santa Rosa, Senior Care Authority Sonoma California (CA), Senior Living Sonoma California (CA), Senior Placement Services Sonoma California (CA)

Caregiver Stress Test for Marin County, California Caregivers

by Frank Samson, Certified Senior Advisor · Comments (0)

30 May

By Frank M. Samson

What is a Caregiver exactly? The Department of Health and Human Services defines them as “a person, either paid or voluntary, who helps an older person with the activities of daily living, health care, financial matters, guidance, companionship and social interaction. A caregiver can provide more than one aspect of care. Most often the term refers to a family member or friend who aids the older person.”

“Put on your own oxygen mask first before helping others” is something you hear each time a flight is taken. A similar concept should be used when taking care of an elderly parent or other loved one. It’s difficult enough for the caregiver to manage their personal life without the added responsibilities of providing in home care and managing various aspects of someone else’s life as well. There is proven research showing caregivers are less healthy than non-caregivers, both physically and mentally. This research is based on higher hospitalization rates, higher death rates and higher levels of depression. Additionally, those who have other responsibilities, including being a spouse, parent and/or employee are likely to deal with more everyday stress.

According to the American Medical Association, caregivers are often so concerned with caring for their relative’s needs that they lose sight of their own well-being. Below is a caregiver stress test which will help determine where the caregiver may stand:

Caregiver Stress Test

Score each item as:

1-Never

2-Once or twice

3-Rarely

4-Sometimes

5-Often

6-Usually

7-Always

In caring for a loved one, how often do you have the following experiences:

__Feeling resentful

__Feeling trapped

__Being tired, not sleeping enough

__Feeling weary

__Feeling troubled

__Poor appetite or overeating

__Feeling hopeless

__Feeling useless

__Being physically exhausted

__Feeling disillusioned

__Feeling anxious

__Feeling “burned out”

__Being unhappy

__Feeling rejected

__Being utterly drained of feeling

______TOTAL SCORE*

*If your score is 60 or above, the stress associated with being a caregiver is beginning to take its toll.

*If your score is 90 or above, the caregiver is living with burnout.

In my day-to-day work, I personally witness caregiver stress as a common phenomenon, but the good news is the caregiver can manage stress and improve their physical and mental health to benefit themselves, their parents and others who depend on them. Following are some options to consider:

* Exercise – The strength to handle an aging parent and exercise is a great stress reliever.

* Healthy Diet – Having three balance meals a day is a minimum necessity.

* Regular Check-ups – When caring for someone else, as a caregiver – you can not ignore the signs of your own health.

* Professional Home Care – Ongoing help from professional caregivers or just temporary relief – respite care.

* Assisted Living Homes or Communities – Safety should be the number one priority for your loved one. There are various affordable options available.

Frank M. Samson is Founder of Senior Care Authority based in Sonoma. Which provides free assistance to families finding in-home care, independent and assisted living for their loved ones. Reach him at 707.939.8744 or e-mail at frank@seniorcareauthority.com. The company Web site is http://www.seniorcareauthority.com.

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Easing the Financial Burden for Senior Care in Napa County, California

by Frank Samson, Certified Senior Advisor · Comments (2)

23 May

Frank M. Samson

Providing senior care for a loved one can be overwhelming both emotionally and financially. According to the 2009 Genworth Cost of Care Survey, median annual costs for various types of senior care in the Bay Area can reach burdensome levels:

Adult Day Care – $20,410 annually – based on eight hours a day, five days a week.

In-Home Services – Assistance with activities of daily living, including dressing, personal hygiene, bathing, etc. – $52,634 annually, based on 44 hours a week.

Assisted Living Facility –$39,960 annually – private one-bedroom

Nursing Homes – $82,125 – semi-private, and $102,018 – private, annually

I hear stories daily from adults regarding the financial challenges associated with providing their aging parents with assistance. Such assistance may be provided at home, assisted living facilities, residential care homes or nursing homes. As they go through the process, seniors commonly say, “I do not want to be a burden on my kids as I age.” I’ve highlighted below some of the options that will help pay, fully or partially, for needed assistance or care:

Medicare/Medi-Cal

Most private health insurance plans follow the same general rules as Medicare. If any long-term care is covered, it is usually for only skilled, short-term and medically necessary care. Homecare is limited only to medically necessary skilled care. Custodial or personal care is not covered by health insurance. The coverage in a skilled nursing facility must follow a hospital stay and is limited up to 100 days. If you meet Med-Cal’s financial eligibility status, you must select a skilled nursing facility that accepts Medi-Cal.

Long Term Care Insurance

Long-term care insurance could be the best investment one can make. Unless medically necessary, you can avoid skilled nursing facilities by residing at assisted living facilities, residential care homes or at a home with the needed in-home care. This type of insurance makes it much easier to cope with most otherwise uncovered health issues as you get older.

Long-term care insurance should be as important as your healthcare insurance, life insurance and homeowner’s insurance. Generally, long-term care is needed for conditions that cannot be cured or healed, and for helping people with routine activities such as dressing, bathing, transferring, continence care, toileting and eating. Long-term care insurance extends for a long period of time, covering care for various types of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. Long-term care insurance, which can reduce the burden from your family and your peace of mind, should be a very serious consideration.

Life Insurance

There are various ways you can use your life insurance to help pay for long term care, including accelerated death benefits, viatical settlements and life settlements.

Accelerated Death Benefit – An accelerated death benefit is a life insurance death benefit paid in cash in advance, tax free.

Life Settlements – Life settlements give you the ability to raise cash by selling your life insurance policy at its present value. The proceeds may be used for any reason including paying for long term care.

Viatical Settlement – This settlement allows you to sell your life insurance policy to a third party and use the money your receive to pay for your care. This option is only possible if you are terminally ill.

Veterans Aid and Attendance

The aid and attendance pension benefit offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs may be available to wartime veterans and surviving spouses who have in-home care or who live in assisted living facilities or nursing homes. The current monthly benefit can be up to $1,948.

Though there are minimum qualifications, I have listed the prerequisites for review below:

* Served in the military during time of war, or spouse.

* Have less than $80,000 in investments excluding home/car. Note: There are other options still to consider if this wasn’t checked.

* Monthly income less than the monthly cost of care including prescriptions. Need help from others in one or more of activities of daily living.

* If surviving spouse, married to the veteran at the time of death.

* Have sufficient resources to pay for care while awaiting a decision from the VA – may take up to four to 12 months.

As you can see, while providing senior care for your loved one may be emotionally and financially challenging, there are a variety of available options to substantially ease the burden.

Frank M. Samson is Founder of Senior Care Authority based in Sonoma The company provides free assistance to families in helping them find in-home care, independent and assisted living for their loved ones. He can be reached at 707.939.8744 or frank@seniorcareauthority.com. The company Web site is http://www.seniorcareauthority.com.

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Understanding Memory Loss in Sonoma and Marin County, California

by Frank Samson, Certified Senior Advisor · Comments (0)

12 May

“It’s on the Tip of My Tongue”

By Frank Samson

Loss of memory or cognitive decline shows up in the little things first. You have a harder time calling to mind the names of people and places; you have something on the tip of your tongue, but just can’t remember what it is, you go into a room to get something and can’t remember what it was. The prefrontal cortex, which is your search engine for your memory, can’t call it up. Everyone has this happen at some point in his or her life. When this happens the hippocampus kicks in to provide other associations to try to jog your memory, but those names and places which used to come easily become more difficult.

Getting older is unavoidable, but falling apart mentally or physically is not. The biological mind-body connection becomes more important as you age. After all, a sound mind won’t do you much good if your body fails.

Brain-function research shows that as you age the cells throughout your body gradually loses its ability to adapt to stress. In the brain, when neurons get worn down from cellular stress, synapses erode, which eventually severs connections. Dendrites physically wither and you start losing a signal here or there. Losing a signal here or there isn’t such a big deal at first, because the brain is designed to compensate by rerouting information around dead patches in the network and recruiting other areas to help with trafficking. The good news is your brain is a social network; it thrives on making new connections and is constantly rewiring itself and adapting⎯provided there’s enough stimulation to spur the growth of new neurons.

Memory is possible because of your neurons. Neurons are electrically excitable cells in the nervous system that process and transmit information. Neurons never actually touch each other. They reach toward each other across a gap (synapse) with their axons and dendrites (hair-like filaments that project out).

With that thumbnail sketch, it’s time to dig into practical applications that can help you with age-proofing your memory. In the book, Age-Proofing Your Memory by Dr. Arlene Taylor PhD and Dr. Sharlet Briggs PhD, they encourage you to think of exercises and information as “fun education” that can help you delay the onset of symptoms of aging and slow down any tendency toward memory loss⎯especially intelligent/creative memory.

You no doubt have heard of the importance of physical exercise for building muscles, conditioning the heart and lungs. It turns out that moving your muscles produces proteins that travel through the bloodstream and into the brain, where it plays a pivotal role in the mechanisms of your highest thought process. Exercise is said to set the stage for learning.

Any intellectually challenging activity is believed to stimulate dendritic growth, which adds to the neural connection in the brain. The brain thrives on novelty. Keep your brain active each day. Learn something new by taking classes at local adult education centers or community colleges, attend seminars or lectures, play games, try memory exercises, read, write, work crossword or other puzzles

According to Miriam Nelson, PhD, a scientist at Tufts University biologically, it is possible to reverse the aging process by 15 to 25 years. You only have one brain with which to remember, and only you can take care of it. The sky is the limit when it comes to stimulating your intelligent/creative memory.

Frank M. Samson is Founder of Senior Care Authority based in Sonoma. The company provides free assistance to families in helping them find In-Home Care, Independent and Assisted Living for their loved ones. He can be reached at 707.939.8744 or e-mailed at frank@seniorcareauthority.com. The company website is http://www.seniorcareauthority.com.

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The Truth About Long-Term Care-Learn More in Contra Costa County, California

by Frank Samson, Certified Senior Advisor · Comments (0)

05 May

By Frank Samson

As I advise people on care options for their family members, most are surprised to learn about various nuances of insurance coverage as well as the various long term care options available.

See if you can answer these True or False statements.

1) T or F – There are approximately 25 licensed assisted living locations in Sonoma County.

2) T or F – Insurance coverage for Homecare is limited only to medically necessary skilled care.

3) T or F – Fewer than 15 percent of the elderly needing care live in nursing homes.

4) T or F – Most of our parents prefer to stay at home and it is the best place for them.

5) T or F – Medicare does not pay for long-term care.

6) T or F – The leading cause of death among seniors (65 years +) are falls.

7) T or F – In order to be eligible for Medi-Cal, you must exhaust your financial assets and have very limited income.

8. T or F – Less than ten percent of personal care costs in the U.S. are paid by private long-term care insurance.

9) T or F – Long-term care insurance are not for those who are financially secure.

10) T or F – The highest percentage change for cause of death is Alzheimer’s disease.

ANSWERS:

1. False. There are nearly 200 assisted living locations (Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly) in Sonoma County. Options range from small, family Residential Care Homes to larger, full-service communities with hundreds of residents.

2. False. Though non-medical homecare is not covered by health insurance, some is covered by long-term care insurance. Non-medical or personal assistance may be help eating, bathing, or going to the bathroom. It may be a ride to the doctor or the grocery store, or help balancing a checkbook or cooking dinner.

3. True. Most of us get this care at home or in the home of an adult child or relative, not in a nursing home. In fact, nearly 80 percent of the frail elderly and the disabled live at home.

4. False. Of course each situation is different, but living at home can be lonely and often dangerous. If your mom or dad needs lots of help, there are several options which also may be less expensive than staying at home in a potentially unsafe environment.

5. True. Neither will Medicare Supplement insurance. These programs will pay only for limited nursing home or home health care, and only after a patient is discharged from the hospital.

6. True. In 2006, there were 16,650 fall-related deaths or 37% of all deaths among the elderly. In 2007, 3,134,935 seniors experienced an injury. Most seniors were injured by a fall: 1,927,766 seniors or about 62% of all senior injuries.

7. False. The misconception is you have to spend all your money to qualify for Medi-Cal. This isn’t always true. You may be able to protect your assets by utilizing different legal trusts such as special needs trust, irrevocable trust or a revocable living trust. However, once qualified for Medi-Cal, there are limited long-term care options.

8. True. More than 80 percent of Americans have health insurance, usually through their jobs or from Medicare. Yet only seven percent of us have long-term care coverage. That is the real crisis of the uninsured.

9. False. Long-term care insurance is extremely important for those at any income level. On average, Assisted Living costs are $40,000 per year and Nursing Homes average $82,000 per year. A Long-term insurance option is part of the new Health Reform Plan called The CLASS Act which will offer only minimum coverage, but it’s a start.

10. True. Between 2000-2006, Alzheimer’s disease had a 47.1% increase as cause of death. All other major causes of death decreased – Heart disease (-11.5%), Breast cancer (-0.6%), Prostate cancer (-14.3%), Stroke (-18.1%).

Frank M. Samson is Founder of Senior Care Authority based in Sonoma and also hosts “The Aging Boomers” on KSVY every Monday at 2pm beginning May 3rd. The company provides free assistance to families in helping them find In-Home Care, Independent and Assisted Living for their loved ones. He can be reached at 707.939.8744 or e-mailed at frank@seniorcareauthority.com. The company website is http://www.seniorcareauthority.com.

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What Does “Aging in Place” Really Mean for Sonoma County, California Seniors?

by Frank Samson, Certified Senior Advisor · Comments (0)

27 Apr

By Frank M. Samson

Most people want to live independently as long as possible, but many of the baby boomers today are dealing with a parent or loved one who needs care at some level. This can range from everyday tasks such as meal preparation, assistance with errands, driving to doctors or to activities.

The need may also arise for assistance to move into a retirement or independent living community, assistant-living facility or even a nursing home. It is essential to communicate with an elderly parent or loved one about the various care options should the need arise.

The term “Aging in Place” is a term being used in the senior care industry for helping someone live at home instead of considering other options. Of course, most seniors want to stay in their own home, but the family must consider safety as the number one priority. If the answer to one or more of the following questions is “yes,” it may likely indicate that your loved one may need more assistance:

* Have there been medication mistakes?

* Has wandering away from home occurred?

* Is there weight loss due to lack of food and/or fluid?

* Have there been falls?

* Has the stove or toaster oven been left on?

* Is there a need for nighttime supervision?

* Is there a need for daytime supervision if alone for an extended period of time?

Care options include:

Home with Family

Caring for a senior in your home is a difficult job. You must have tremendous inner-strength, and also admit you cannot do it alone. Failing to do so will exacerbate an already difficult situation, but with the help of others, care-giving can become a much smoother process.

Safety precautions must be taken. Though falls can be prevented, they are still the number one cause of injury to a senior at home. It would be wise to have a professional who deals with design and safety advice for the elderly come to your home. This could prevent serious injuries or even death.

In-Home Care

The in-home non-medical area of health care has been one of the fastest growing new businesses throughout the country. There are dozens of companies and hundreds of independent caregivers in the North Bay alone. Examples include assistance with dressing, bathing, grooming, driving to appointments, light housekeeping, laundry, shopping, preparing meals, companionship and more daily tasks.

Since these companies or individuals are not required by California to be licensed, it is imperative a thorough analysis takes place to make sure you are dealing with a reputable organization. Some of the areas to consider include but are not limited to:

* Client Reference checks

* Background checks of caregivers

* Cost comparisons

* Are caregivers employees of a company or independent contractors – which could have some implications

* Location of company and/or caregivers

* Language barriers

If you are turning over the responsibility to someone to take care of your loved one, get the advice of a professional in the industry or make sure you do your research.

Independent Living Communities

These are senior housing or senior communities whose residents are at least 55-60 years of age and are in good overall health. For a loved one who is able to live by himself or herself this can be a great alternative choice. These communities are set up to keep residents active and safe. Residents will not have the usual worries, which come with the burden of owning a home. Again, seek the advice of a professional who works closely with the elderly and understands their needs.

Assisted Living vs. Nursing Homes

Assisted living is probably the most misunderstood of the various senior care options. Many associate assisted living with nursing homes, but there are distinguishable differences. Nursing homes are skilled nursing facilities for those who need 24-hour medical attention. This is for those with chronic medical conditions who need skilled, long-term care, and also for short-term recovering patients after a hospital discharge.

Assisted living, on the other hand, is for those who cannot live at home anymore and need help with basic activities of daily living to more specialized areas including dementia care. There are many options available in assisted living including a range from small, family residential homes to facilities with multiple levels of care.

These homes and communities are licensed facilities by the state of California. The key is to find the right type of place for your loved one depending on their personality and needs. The right assisted living facility will provide a warm and safe environment with the hope of even improving their physical and emotional conditions.

Frank M. Samson is Founder of Senior Care Authority based in Sonoma. The company provides free assistance to families in helping them find in-home care, independent and assisted living for their loved ones. He can be reached at 707.939.8744 or frank@seniorcareauthority.com. The company Web site is http://www.seniorcareauthority.com.

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How to Help Aging Parents Who Are Unsafe in Their San Rafael, California Home

by Frank Samson, Certified Senior Advisor · Comments (0)

22 Apr

Here is a great article that demonstrates how difficult it can be to convince an aging parent it is no longer safe to live at home. Let Senior Care Authority help your aging loved with senior living placement in Solano, Napa, Marin, Sonoma, and Contra Costa Counties, California.

How Do I Get Dad Out of His Cluttered, Unsafe Home?

by Carol Bradley Bursack

People want to stay in their own homes. You hear it and read about it all the time. And there’s some merit to that. Most of us can relate to the fact that relocating is emotionally charged. Add the fact that our parents get sick and tired of suffering the indignities of aging and often feel bossed around by everyone from the government to their kids, and you can understand why they often get stubborn. Where they live may be, in their minds, their “last stand.”

Many elders do well in their homes. They graciously accept the help they need, have cleaning people come in, and are even able to throw away the old newspapers that are piling up in the corner. They are content with adding some safety measures and feel cozy with a bit of clutter.

Then there’s the other side. Many seniors are living in the same home they raised their children in. These homes are modest, but worked well for raising their family and even for the early empty nest years. Often, however, they are two-story cottages, with the bedrooms and the only bathroom up a long flight of stairs. They have small closets and full basements, generally stuffed to the rafters with things they’ve forgotten but feel they can’t live without.

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