Off To A Home

There comes a day, for many elders, when it's no longer desirable to be on their own in their own home. A home is many things: a house, an apartment, a condo, a mobile and so on. Every home requires upkeep and maintenance and cleanliness. When it comes to the point where the safety or health of doing what one could once do effortlessly in younger times, is impossible. Pain dictates the rule for others. When that happens some hard decisions must be made. While a loving  family is entitled to suggest various plans for the elder, the final move is up to the aging individual. Only he or she knows what is truly wanted. If there is an illness involved, that makes close planning imperative. There is government help. This inevitable move is difficult on all sides. Usually, we elders put up with our aging problems until it becomes obvious that continuing to make the effort is just too much. Aging is not a sin, it's a fact, one that no one escapes. Some people can go on longer than others to care for themselves adequately and independently and others are forced to seek earlier assistance. An age number has nothing to do with it. Suffering is not heroic. Heroism is taking that huge step to a home away from home situation in all ways: physically, financially and emotionally. Some families bring the elder into their homes and it works out well, while others assist to set up their elders in a place where they will continue to feel independence and have a sense of enjoying their senior years. I see some very attractive new facilities and on looking into their costs, they are sometimes prohibitively high. The newer venues that advertise all sorts of beautiful programs, amenities and accommodations are pretty much out of reach for the average person. Unless one has access to a large sum of capital to purchase or rent in these flashy buildings with elegant facades, dining rooms and programs, they are out of reach. For a one bedroom unit, for example, the cost begins around five to six thousand a month. When I calculate this cost, it makes more sense to bring help into one's own home. No matter how the hype is advertised as to what you can save,  the savings you make in taking on their plans, are just not feasible. There are however, less glitzy places that are pleasant and affordable, thus possible. Even new, top drawer buildings have their situations no matter what the spin. Some people choose to hire helpers who offer care in their own home on a daily basis including housekeeping and driving. While it is not cheap, it can be far less than some other more glamorous spots. What is important is how you feel in the facility and some allow for a stay to try it out. Best hunting for all. Happiness is much more than the newest highrise down the street.