Aging in Place
Providing Choices for Seniors in our Community
Courtesy Goodwill Industries of Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs LIVING WELL Magazine
Behind each person’s story are many choices…
People of all ages value their ability to live independently. Yet maintaining independence is sometimes difficult as we grow older. Working for an organization that offers Aging in Place solutions, I commonly hear similar concerns from care providers of an aging adult. Caregivers are exhausted from providing full-time care for an aging spouse or parent, yet they are not willing to admit they need assistance. Or, care providers may be willing to admit they need help, but feel too guilty to access in-home or facility-based daytime care.
While I admire the tenacity of family members who are shouldering the responsibility of helping their loved one age in the home, I am often overwhelmed by the tremendous weariness of those full-time care providers. The truth is, the aging adult may be maintaining independence from an assisted living or nursing care facility, but it is the provider who has lost most of their freedom in day-to-day living. The responsibility is so draining that the provider may be outlived by the aging adult. The duty is so encompassing it takes a toll on the entire body. In reality, seeking in-home or facility-based day care may improve the quality of life for everyone involved. Whether this is respite care for the provider or socialization for the aging adult, daytime assistance may be the answer to effectively managing the aging process.
“The strongest principle of growth lies in human choice.”
George Eliot
Families will often seek out information about available choices for their loved one, but not act on their knowledge for many months. The guilt is too great or the around-the-clock care leaves them without the emotional energy to make a decision to move ahead with a viable solution.
Most of these individuals have seen the signs: dad is getting too difficult to handle alone or I am losing my temper because I am frazzled all the time. However, they do not take action until mom wanders away at the grocery store or dad has a bad fall. The point is, being forced to make a decision about a loved one’s care after a major health issue or family crisis decreases your choices and limits your ability to make the best decision for your family.
Maybe you have admitted that you need help, but financially it just doesn’t seem feasible. Many people don’t realize there is flexibility in private pay options and some agencies around town accept Medicaid or VA. Also, many agencies don’t insist on a set schedule – your loved one could attend a few days a week or a couple times per month. Also, know that there are adult day centers or in-home care providers that don’t require a down payment or contract.
“Each of us literally chooses, by his way of attending to things, what sort of universe he shall appear to himself to inhabit.”
William James
“I strongly recommend adult day centers. I have already talked to several individuals about how much of a lifesaver this service has been to us.”
Pat N.
“I like the flexibility of Goodwill At Home’s services; I can call them today and have someone out tomorrow. Their care providers are responsive to my needs, they are friendly and professional.”
Dena B.
“I like it enough that I would like to start coming three days per week instead of two.”
Ruth C.
If you have questions about these topics or if you would like more information on adult day centers or in-home, non-medical assistance please contact: Seth Rankin, Goodwill Industries of Colorado Springs, at 719-381-9468 or info@goodwill-colosprings.org.
