Page 26 - Senior Times South Central Michigan April 2023 - 30-04

Page 26 Senior Times - April 2023
AGING IN PLACE WHEN YOU NEED ADDITIONAL SUPPORT
By: Sherii Sherban, Publisher
While it may be hard to accept, most of
us will require some type of care assistance after the age of 70. You may be used to handling everything yourself, dividing up duties with your spouse, or relying on family members for minor help around the home. But as you get older and your circumstances change, getting around and taking care of yourself can become more and more diffi- cult. If the idea of moving to a retirement community, assisted living facility, or nurs- ing home doesn’t appeal to you, home care services may be able to help keep you living in your own home for longer.
daycare programs are primarily social, while others provide limited health services or specialize in conditions such as early stage Alzheimer’s.
Aging in place may be a viable option if you only need minor assistance with your daily activities, enjoy a close network of family and friends nearby, and can utilize the right home care services to cover your needs.
Personal care. Help with the activities
of daily living, such as dressing, bathing, or meal preparation, is called personal or cus- todial care. Home health aides can provide personal care services that range from a few hours a day to around-the-clock live-in care. They may also provide limited assistance with things such as taking blood pressure or offering medication reminders.
Health care. Some healthcare services can be provided at home by trained pro- fessionals, such as occupational therapists, social workers, or home health nurses. Check with your insurance or health service to see what kind of coverage is available, although you may have to cover some cost out of pocket. Telehealth can offer additional care options as long as you have an internet connection. Hospice care can also be provid- ed at home.
Too often, decisions to leave home are made abruptly after a sudden loss or health crisis, making adjustments all the more pain- ful and difficult. Earlier planning and exam- ining which home care services are available can make it easier to make the choice that’s right for both you and your family.
Home care services might include: Household maintenance. Keeping a
Of course, everyone’s needs vary, depend- ing on factors such as how much support you have, your general health and mobility, and your financial situation. Here are some of the issues to consider when evaluating your aging in place and home care options:
household running smoothly takes a lot of work. If you’re finding it hard to keep up, you can look into laundry, shopping, garden- ing, housekeeping, and handyman services. If you’re having trouble staying on top of bills and appointments, financial and health- care management may also be helpful.
Location and accessibility. Where is your home located? Are you in a rural or suburban area that requires a lot of driving? If you’re in an area with more public transit, is it safe and easily accessible? How much time does it take you to get to services such as shopping or medical appointments? It’s also important to consider proximity to com- munity services and activities.
Transportation. Transportation is a key issue for older adults. Maybe you’re finding it hard to drive or don’t like to drive at night. Having access to trains, buses, rideshare apps, reduced fare taxis, and senior transpor- tation services can help prolong your inde- pendence and maintain your social network.
Home modifications. If your mobility is becoming limited, home modifications can go a long way towards keeping your exist- ing residence comfortable and accessible. Modifications can include things such as
Day programs. Day programs or adult daycare can help you keep busy with activ- ities and socialization during the day, while providing a break for your caregivers. Some
Home accessibility and maintenance.
grab bars in the shower, ramps to avoid or minimize the use of stairs, or even installing a new bathroom on the ground floor.
Is aging in place right for you? It’s nat- ural to want to stay at home as you grow older. The familiar can be comforting as we face the losses that inevitably come with aging, and your home is likely filled with fond memories and your neighborhood with familiar people. However, taking a step back to look at the big picture can help you decide whether staying at home for the long term truly is the right step for you.
Is your home easily modified? Does it have a lot of steps or a steep hill to access? Do you have a large yard that needs to be maintained?
Helping Seniors Make the Right
Housing Choice
SENIOR HOUSING
GUIDE
= CITY ✚ = MED MANAGEMENT  = EMERGENCY CALL
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CALHOUN COUNTY MEDICAL CARE FACILITY
1150 East Michigan Ave, Battle Creek, MI 49014 (269) 962-5458
CHERRY HILL MANOR
10 Clay St., Battle Creek, MI 49017 Melinda, (269) 965-0591
EVERGREEN SENIOR CARE & REHAB CENTER
111 Evergreen Road, Battle Creek, MI 49037 Caleb Angus, (269) 969-6110
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KELLOGG MANOR
250 Champion St., Battle Creek, MI 49017 Melinda, (269) 965-0591
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LAKEVIEW ASSISTED LIVING
14661 Helmer Road South, Battle Creek, MI 49015 Christi Losinski, (269) 969-8900
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LAURELS OF BEDFORD
270 Bedford Road North, Battle Creek, MI 49037 Leslie Gardner, (269) 968-2296
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LEGACY AT THE OAKS
706 North Avenue, Battle Creek, MI 49017 (269) 964-4655
MAJESTIC OF BATTLE CREEK
200 East Roosevelt Ave, Battle Creek, MI 49037 Jennifer Andrews, (269) 965-3327
MAPLE LAWN MEDICAL CARE FACILITY
50 Sanderson Lane, Coldwater, MI 49036 Jayne Sabaitis, (517) 279-9587
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NUMBER OF UNITS INDEPENDENT LIVING ASSISTED LIVING SKILLED NURSING ALZHEIMER / DEMENTIA RESPITE CARE
ADULT DAY CARE PETS
RESIDENT PARKING TRANSPORTATION PRIVATE PAY NURSE ON DUTY REHAB
LONG TERM STAY SHORT TERM STAY MEDICATION DELIVERY LAUNDRY HOUSEKEEPING ACTIVITIES
100% MEALS
24 HOUR STAFFING LICENSED FACILITY SPECIFIC DIET PLANS