Joined: 12/15/2011
Posts: 18692
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I read posts from caregivers who complain about how hard their lives are because they have no support. They live in isolated areas, usually in the country or even deeper into the wilderness, away from family and local resources. That's great, when you are healthy and whole, and can manage.
But we have to look ahead. There will come a time for all older adults, when we cannot manage as we have in our younger days. We have to have a plan for our futures. This is true for all of us. We have to consider, can we live successfully in older age in our current home and age in place, or will it be preferable to move? We must plan ahead, so it won't be a huge burden for us.
Where I live now, it is relatively safe. I live on the second floor. I can manage the stairs now, but there may come a time when I cannot manage the stairs. I will have a Plan B for that time.
I live where I can receive services, because I live near two major streets. I live on bus routes, which helps me, if I don't have access to my car, and if I need an aide who does not have her own transportation. This was the case one time with an aide I employed.
I believe I can live here for a long time, as long as I can manage the stairs. Nevertheless, I still gather information for local senior apartments and independent living apartments and alternative senior living situations and assisted living facilities in my area.
I want to be prepared. I am a veteran, so I also consider veterans' facilities.
I think making plans is very important.
Iris L.
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Joined: 5/20/2014
Posts: 4408
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Iris,
A co-worker of mine just lost her grandmother to AD. She had been in a state of the art Veterans home here in NJ and had the best of dementia care for several years.
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Joined: 12/15/2011
Posts: 18692
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Ilee, apparently the VA offers good care to veterans who need long term care. Of course, this good care has to be sought out, because the VA is having lots of problems.
Many of the spouses and partners have their LOs involved in VA care, and they do promote it. They have lots of tips on getting access to VA care.
Perhaps we need to promote VA care more on our boards, because some of our members are veterans. The Aid and Attendance program is to help with home care, so veterans can age in place.
Iris L.
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