The Elderly and Independence
Recently I have had the opportunity to think about some of the concerns of folks in their retirement years and older. Many still live quite independently. They may have some chronic diseases and limitations but many still live alone. And that is the way they want it.
I can appreciate the fears they may have about the day they may no longer be able to live as they do now. The fear of losing a home and having to make other living arrangements due to physical limitations can be overwhelming concerns for some folks and it can affect healthcare decisions.
If someone has aches and pains they may try to hide them so others won't notice their condition. Others may hesitate to be seen and evaluated for fear they may need hospitalization and prolonged treatment. Living accommodations are often tied to independence.
In some places, there are limits placed on the level of supportive care a person can have and continue to rent. Once a person reaches a particular level of care, they may have to move into a more assistive living arrangement. This can be traumatic and emotionally painful for elders who may already live on limited budgets made up of social security, small pensions, limited savings, and Medicare.
Fear of the unknown can be incredible. Episodes of confusion can make simple tasks challenging. Steps necessary to determine alternatives, locate potential places, and further steps needed to gain acceptance into one can be overwhelming tasks that may require assistance of family or close friends.
For others who are fortunate to live in their own home, the fear and pain of losing everything they ever worked for to pay for assistive living or long term health care can be devastating. It is very difficult and stressful to say the least. My heart goes out to these folks and their families.
Related Topics: Baby Boomers: A New Way to Grow Old, Spouse's Illness Can Be Deadly To You
Technorati Tags: retirement, aging, assistedliving
I can appreciate the fears they may have about the day they may no longer be able to live as they do now. The fear of losing a home and having to make other living arrangements due to physical limitations can be overwhelming concerns for some folks and it can affect healthcare decisions.
If someone has aches and pains they may try to hide them so others won't notice their condition. Others may hesitate to be seen and evaluated for fear they may need hospitalization and prolonged treatment. Living accommodations are often tied to independence.
In some places, there are limits placed on the level of supportive care a person can have and continue to rent. Once a person reaches a particular level of care, they may have to move into a more assistive living arrangement. This can be traumatic and emotionally painful for elders who may already live on limited budgets made up of social security, small pensions, limited savings, and Medicare.
Fear of the unknown can be incredible. Episodes of confusion can make simple tasks challenging. Steps necessary to determine alternatives, locate potential places, and further steps needed to gain acceptance into one can be overwhelming tasks that may require assistance of family or close friends.
For others who are fortunate to live in their own home, the fear and pain of losing everything they ever worked for to pay for assistive living or long term health care can be devastating. It is very difficult and stressful to say the least. My heart goes out to these folks and their families.
Related Topics: Baby Boomers: A New Way to Grow Old, Spouse's Illness Can Be Deadly To You
Technorati Tags: retirement, aging, assistedliving
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