Page 27 - Senior Times South Central Michigan April 2023 - 30-04

Senior Times - April 2023 Page 27
Support available. Do you have family and friends nearby? How involved are they? Are they able to provide you the support
you need? Many older adults prefer to rely on family to provide help, but as your needs increase, they might not be able to fill in all of the gaps. Caregiving can be physically and emotionally exhausting, especially if it is primarily on one person such as a spouse or child. Your relationships may be healthier if you are open to the idea of getting help from more than one source.
having to commit to anything long-term.
Isolation. If it becomes difficult or impos- sible for you to leave home without help, isolation can rapidly set in. You may not
be able to participate in hobbies you once loved, stay involved in community service that kept you motivated, or visit with friends and family. Losing these connections and support is a recipe for depression.
Finding the right home care services for you... Once you’ve figured out your needs, it’s time to evaluate which home care services are right for you and where to find the best providers. Of course, it can be dif- ficult to entrust your home or personal care to others, especially people you don’t know. Whether you engage a home care service provider directly or work through an agency, you can allay your fears by conducting some basic research.
Medical conditions. No one can predict the future. However, if you or your spouse has a chronic medical condition that is expected to worsen over time, it’s especially important to think about how you will han- dle health and mobility problems. What are common complications of your condition, and how will you handle them?
confused, vulnerable, or even angry when you realize you can’t do the things you used to be able to do. You may feel guilty at the prospect of having to rely on outsiders to
do things you’ve been used to doing for yourself. Or you may feel uncomfortable about having “strangers” in your home. By acknowledging these feelings and keeping your mind open to new ways to make life easier, you’ll not only cope with your change in situation better but may also be able to prolong other aspects of your independence for longer.
Start by seeking referrals from family, friends, or neighbors. There may be a neigh- bor who could regularly check-in with you or provide yard maintenance, for example. Local religious groups sometimes offer meals or social activities for older adults. Ask the people you know if they have care providers they can recommend. Your doctor or other healthcare professional may also be able to provide referrals.
Finances. Making a budget with antici- pated expenses can help you weigh the pros and cons of your situation. Alternate arrange- ments like assisted living can be expensive, but extensive in-home help can rapidly become expensive as well, especially at higher levels of care and live-in or 24-hour coverage.
Be patient with yourself. Losses are a normal part of aging and losing some of your independence is not a sign of weakness. Allow yourself to feel sad or frustrated about changes in your home care situation without beating yourself up or labeling yourself a failure.
Full-service agencies usually come at a higher cost but provide prescreened appli- cants who have already had background checks. Since the caregiver works for the agency, they take care of billing and tax issues. They may also be bonded for issues such as theft. If a caregiver quits or is not working out, an agency can usually find a replacement quickly, and may also provide coverage if a caregiver calls in sick.
Your family’s opinions. Naturally, you have the final decision as to where you want to live, but input from family members can be helpful. Are they worried about your safe- ty or a health problem that will eventually require heavy care? Listening to concerns and keeping an open mind are key.
Be open to new possibilities. Your loved ones may offer suggestions about home care services to make your life easier. Rather than dismissing them out of hand, try to keep an open mind and discuss the options. Sometimes, new experiences and situations can lead to you developing new friendships or discovering new possibilities.
Independent providers usually come
at a lower cost, but require more legwork on your part. You’ll need to handle any
tax requirements and perform background checks and identity verification. In the case of illness or sudden termination, you’ll also be responsible for finding a replacement.
Coming to terms with changes in your level of independence... It’s normal to feel
Try a trial run of services. A trial run lets you have the chance to experience the benefits of home care services without
Publisher’s Note: By exploring the range of services available, you can decide if aging in place is the best way for you to safely maintain your independence and make the most of your golden years. A good place to start is with the agencies in Senior Times.
Feeling Some Joint Pain?
Our team of specialists is ready to meet your needs and get you back to the things you enjoy. To schedule a same day appointment in Battle Creek or Marshall, call (855) 618-2676.
Orthopedic Specialists
SENIOR HOUSING
GUIDE
Like to be added?
Email Sherii Sherban at ssherban@scenepub.com.
MEDILODGE OF MARSHALL
10 879 E. Michigan Avenue, Marshall, MI 49068 (269) 365-6366
NORTHPOINTE WOODS ASSISTED LIVING
11 700 North Avenue, Battle Creek, MI 49017 (269) 964-7625
NORTHPOINTE WOODS INDEPENDENT LIVING
12 700 North Avenue, Battle Creek, MI 49017 (269) 964-7625
OAKS AT NORTHPOINTE WOODS
13 706 North Avenue, Battle Creek, MI 49017 (269) 964-4655
THORNAPPLE MANOR
14 2700 Nashville Rd., Hastings, MI 49058 Lyn Briel, (269) 945-2407
TRUE CARE LIVING
15 565 General Ave. Springfeld, MI 49037 Calina Foster, (269) 968-3365
VILLA AT WINSTON COURT, SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY
16 208 Winston, Marshall, MI 49068 Dustin Burrett, (269) 248-6226
VILLAGE OF MILL CREEK
17 300 Carl Ave, Battle Creek, MI 49037 Jennifer Bouchard, (269) 962-0605
WOODLAWN MEADOWS RETIREMENT VILLAGE
18 1821 N East Street, Hastings, MI 49058 Allison Kortz, (269) 948-4921
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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