Eldercare Services » retirement community

Finding Senior Housing for Aging Parents

Linda Fodrini-Johnson — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 17:57:14 +0000

Founder and Executive Director Linda Fodrini-Johnson, MA, MFT, CMC

Watch the video blog: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oltA6PVmEXo

Often families come to the conclusion that it’s a safety risk for their frail elder family member to stay at home yet 24/7 in-home care is not affordable. The question arises: What is best for Mom or Dad?

Remember to think of future needs as you make a decision for the needs of today. If your parent has a progressive illness, be certain that the retirement community you choose can meet the changing needs of your parent and know what the costs of that support might be.

It is helpful to have a skilled objective professional work with you and your family. I highly recommend that you hire someone who will be your advocate in assessing Mom. This will give you an environment that will enhance your senior family member’s life and give you all peace of mind.

This activity will usually be about 3 or 4 hours of professional geriatric care management time. And many care managers will arrange for you to get a discount on your first months rent – so in the end you wind up getting more back than you paid for in advice and direction. Be sure that the care manager you have hired is certified as a care manager and a member or part of a team that are members of the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers.

A professional who does not receive a “kick back” for the referral is going to refer you to a home or community they are familiar with and help you look at all the variables before making this important decision.

Mom is Moving In!

Linda Fodrini-Johnson — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 02:37:30 +0000

Founder and Executive Director Linda Fodrini-Johnson, MA, MFT, CMC

“Clean out a room, change your schedule and your social life- Mom is moving in.”

Your mother has had a change of status and can no longer live alone. You think it is best that she move in with you because you just retired and have the time to care for her.

The desire and the passion to care for those we love sometimes pulls us to make decisions that can have a negative outcome to us and to our aging parent.

Before you decide to have a senior family member move in to your home, there are many facets to consider and organizations that can assist with the process. Do your homework, look at all the pros and cons before changing all of your lives. Is the decision going to add to the quality of life for all involved? Will it distract from what gives your life meaning or that of your parent?

Eldercare has a checklist of important items to think about before making such a decision. It you would like this checklist, send us your name and address and we will mail it out to you.

Intergenerational families can live together successfully but all parties must have their needs met and find peace in the arrangement. However, sometimes families just haven’t explored all the options first and make this decision without knowledge of our supportive services.

Elders Making Challenging Choices

Linda Fodrini-Johnson — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 21:44:31 +0000

Founder and Executive Director Linda Fodrini-Johnson, MA, MFT, CMC

It has been my honor, over the past 25 years, to help people make hard decisions such as giving up a home of 50 years for a retirement community or a downsized condo. One comes to this decision from various paths; economic reasons, health concerns, loss of spouse or wanting to relocate near adult children. Sometimes, just because home maintenance is too much and the senior wants to travel or have less of the “have to do” chores in their life.

What I do know is that people who are socially engaged live longer and happier lives according to research. That individuals who have purpose and meaning in their lives are healthier than their peers without purpose. I also know that people who have had major losses through death of spouses or friends that continue to have meaningful lives live longer as well.

So, if you or someone you love is facing this dilemma you should consider having at least one hour with a Professional Geriatric Care Manager who can help you with your list of pros and cons before making a major move. It is often beneficial for the elder to have this conversation with an objective professional; so the end result is your decision and not influenced by family members’ or friend’s value systems.

More and more Baby Boomers are thinking long range and looking at options early in their “autumn” years. Better to be prepared than have to make decisions in a crisis.