Blog #5 Chapter 10
This learner has discovered the different options
for the elderly community as everyday life tasks become harder. The most
interesting information in the text is that there are several different
facilities that offer a number of options for living arrangements and
financial help. According to Aging, The individual, and society, most of the
elderly population want to age in place meaning in their home (Hillier &
Barrow 2011). They feel the most comfortable in their own verses living in a
facility. When things begin to be too much to handle physically and
emotionally, sometimes the elderly population are forced to move out of their
homes (Hillier & Barrow 2011). Then the elderly population usually wants to
stay in the town or city they have become accustomed too (Hillier & Barrow
2011). Many of the older population live in retirement communities and home
nursing services are available (Hillier & Barrow 2011).
Home nursing is where nurses deliver meals, provide
house cleaning, bathing, and transportation (Hillier & Barrow 2011).
Downsizing is important if the elderly population chooses to stay in home because
upkeep is easier and lower bills than a large house (Hillier & Barrow 2011).
This learner also discovered that there are other facilities,
such as, Granny Units and adult communities. Granny units are an independent apartment
unit that has an outside entrance attach to a single family home (Hillier &
Barrow 2011). The adult communities are nice because no one under the age 50
can live in that community (Hillier & Barrow 2011). Assisted living is also
available and this is assistance for everyday activities.
As a social worker, this leaner finds that the
resources and choices for the elderly are available more in numbers than
before. Speaking with clients and assessing the situation can help in placing
the elderly population with the best fit.
Hillier, S., & Barrow, G. (2011). Aging, The
individual, and Society. (9th ed.). California: WADSWORTH
Ashley, there are many options that are available for the rising number of seniors and older generations. Fortunately, there are many housing options for seniors who cannot live in their own homes. I agree with the text that most of the elderly population wants to age in their own home. I experienced this first hand when my great grandma fell and broke her hip and she was no longer able to live alone. Grandma went to an assisted living home where she shared a room and bathroom with another lady. She was very resistant to go to the assisted living home at first because she thought it was like a nursing home, and I guess in some ways it is like a nursing home. After a while she realized that it was best for her to be there, and they can give her the care she needs and they also have church, activities, and more.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you touched on the definition of the different types of living arrangements. This chapter seems to be the popular one this week, as it affects a lot of us personally. Each of us wants the best for both ourselves and loved ones, and deciding on such a huge commitment such as a living facility is so important. I think the retirement communities and assisted living facilities are by far the best option for those who are still independent and want to remain self-sufficient as best they can. Nursing homes, some good, some not so good are sometimes the only option for individuals needing full-time care. Often times resistant to the idea of such a big lifestyle change, many elderly people end up finding comfort in these facilities knowing that they can receive the care they need. This was a good post. :)
ReplyDeleteYes Ashley there are many resources for affordable housing for the low-income elderly. This chapter gives us plenty resources to refer back to for our clients. I am glad to know that there are so many. The fact that the retirement community is growing faster than the working community is a good fact to know so that maybe we can do something to help the future crisis. Very insightful post.
ReplyDeleteI agree, the elderly would feel more comfortable living in their own home versus living in a facility. Living in the house where all your belongings are and where you feel a sense of security is very important. Not to mention they may have neighbors that provides support. Leaving your home and moving to an unknown facility must be very hard to handle. But when physical and emotional problems are too much to handle then moving to a facility may be the best thing to do. Home nursing sounds like a good idea for those that need assistance but do not want to leave their home. Keeping up maintance on a large home may be too much to handle so downsizing is a good option to consider especially if it lowers bills. Speaking with your client to assess their situation is very important to figure out the best option for them.
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