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Living
Arrangements and Housing Options
Maintaining the
highest level of independence is the goal for all older adults. The
level of independence will depend on health and financial resources but must
also include the choice and preference of your aging family member!
The physician and
health care providers will play a key role in helping to determine the level
of independence that your loved one needs. For some older adults, the
final decision to move from their own home comes when a physician says
living alone is not in the best interest or safe for the older adult.
Decision Making about Living Arrangements
- Is
the older adult’s preference being considered? Are these
preferences possible?
- What
does the physician recommend?
- Can
the older adult live at home safely?
- Can
another family member move in with the person?
- Can
a non-family member move in with the person?
- Will
the older person and/or family caregiver pay for someone to live with
the aging family member?
- Will
home health care be needed?
- Will
Meals on Wheels or some other service be necessary for meals?
- What
role will family members play? Who will do what to help maintain
the home?
- Who
will clean the home?
- What
other services or assistance will be necessary?
- On
what basis will the older person and family members decide whether
living in the home is still an option?
- What
other plans can be made to prepare for a move to as assisted living or
nursing homes?
Options
may be available to help maintain independence. Local city and county
governments and the Area Agencies on Aging may provide help with services.
Family caregivers will need to contact individual community resources.
Start by first contacting Area Agencies on Aging and
the local Information & Referral lines of
United
Way
in your
community. Check the local phone books or call a
United
Way
agency
to find other phone numbers. Other sources of information are health
care providers and hospital social workers who know about resources through
patients, caregivers, and/or work in the local community.
Services that may be available
include:
- Home
repair, rehabilitation and modification.
- Winterization
and fuel bill assistance.
- Rent
subsidies.
- Property
tax reductions, deferrals, and exemptions.
In-home and community-based services.
Geriatric Care Managers may be available in some communities through the
local Area Agencies on Aging to help family members evaluate the options and
make informed decisions. Working
with a Geriatric Care Manager will not only save time for the caregiver but
will provide access to all appropriate services.
When Home is No Longer an Option
When chronic health problems prevent the
older adult from being able to safely live at home and manage the complex
responsibilities of maintaining a home, the older person and family members
often have difficult decisions to make.
-
Discuss
the situation with the care receiver.
-
Plan
with, and not for, the care receiver.
-
Evaluate
current living arrangements.
-
Consider
individual assets, needs and interests.
-
Make
a decision on a trial basis.
-
Re-evaluate
the situation.
-
Makes
changes as necessary.
When Decisions Have to Be Made Without The
Care Receiver
-
Be
realistic.
-
Thoroughly
evaluate the situation.
-
Get
professional medical advice regarding health and mental condition and
capacity.
-
Consider
your needs and those of your family.
-
Make
a decision on a trial basis.
-
Re-evaluate
the situation.
-
Make
changes as necessary.
-
Continue
to involve the care receiver as much as possible.
Assess the Options for Long Term care
-
What
is the care receiver's preference.
-
Does
the person's health and well-being match their preference?
-
Can
the person move in with other family members?
-
What
will the impact of this arrangement be on other family members?
-
Can
the person move in and share a home with another person?
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