How to Go About Looking into Assisteted Living Situation..

Before having children my career was in senior living. There are lots of options out there. I am not sure where you live but many options exist- like Independent Living (can pretty much take care of themselves but like the option of having a dining plan and safety call buttons if they need help), Senior Apartments (little or no help), Assisted Living (usually for people needed help with med reminders, showers, etc.), skilled care (nursing home), etc. The company I worked for is Brookdale Senior Living. They are on the nicer side but more reasonably priced and no buy in. Depending on where you live, I would be happy to refer you to a specific property, there are 10 in the Chicago area with multi-levels of care. My job was the Programs Director and each property has a full calendar of mentally stimulating, physical, cultural and social programming, plus transportation (bus) for shopping, doctors visits, etc. Let me know if I can help you further. I just helped my Grandparent's move in to Senior living out of state so I know what its like to go through it.

Boy, your husband's grandma & my grandma could be best friends! My 87 yr. old grandma fell and broke her hip last fall. She lived w/ my mom for a few months, but that didn't work out b/c my grandma doesn't like my mom's husband. Anyhow, she also lives in a 2 story townhouse. She really shouldn't be climbing the stairs, she lives alone & we worry about her a lot. My mom wants to move her to a nice assisted living place, but my grandma insists she will die there ("everyone there is so old"...she forgets she is old too!). Her house has been on & off the market. She's dragging it out too. I don't think she'll ever move as she loves her independence. I guess we just can't force our g-parents to do something they don't want to do. It's a very tough situation to be in. My grandma still drives short distances despite poor eyesight & cataracts. We've tried talking to her about it, but it's useless. I really don't have advice as I could use some myself. In your situation, I would try to push the assisted living. She could make friends & have companionship (though this argument doesn't work for my grandma). Maybe when she realizes she cannot do everything for herself anymore she'll come around. Good luck.

T.
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Elder care presents so many difficult decisions, and I applaud your family's involvement in that of your grandma's.

When my grandfather died, my grandmother went downhill fast. My father sold her house and placed her in assisted living, which worked wonders for her health. Oh, she complained constantly about everyone there, but the fact that she had socialization and somebody making sure she ate and took her meds made a huge difference in her quality of life.

I would recommend speaking with a social worker, since there are so many issues to be taken into consideration - financial, real estate, health, legal, et cetera. He or she should have a bigger-picture view of what resources and referrals are needed. They can also offer advice on how to best handle what is I am sure an emotionally challenging transition for your grandma. Hopefully you can find a competent LCW through your grandma's doctor, or the last hospital to which she was admitted.

Best of luck to you and your family.

Talk to Judi Schultz with Home Helpers - she is a case manager with them and can give you ideas on having some help your grandma in her home. Her phone number is ###-###-#### or cell is ###-###-####. Email is ____@____.com

Hope that helps.

Tracy, there is a program at Rush Medical Center called Rush Generations which might be able to give you some assistance. If you want the number, please contact me. They may also be able to assist with ideas for assisted living facilities, and those places may have waiting lists. Good luck. S.