Assisted Living Directory Blog

I received an interesting email today. I did not have an answer for the fellow, but he was basically asking about starting a home for “Elderly roommates.”  I thought it was a really great idea, but had never really heard about it before.   Maybe someone reading will have some insight for us.   His email was:

“Hi, I have a 3300sq ft. house that I would like to rent to elderly people in my community. I have heard that there are individuals in my community that would live together as roommates who rent a home.
My wife and I are high school teachers for the past 22 years in our community of Apple Valley,Ca”

With all of the doom and gloom of the economy as of late, I was wondering if that affects the assisted living industry?  I am no economist, but I would imagine that it wouldn’t affect it negatively, since, if people need help or assistance, they really need to get it.  You can’t stop the aging process, and you can’t stop the progression of some diseases or conditions.

I would bet that the assisted living industry will remain a growth industry regardless of what the economy does.  Again, I am no economy guru, but that is my guess.

I keep thinking that I just don’t like the term “Assisted Living Facility.”  There is something about it that bugs me, and I think I know what it is.

The word “Facility” to me brings up images of stark hallways, sterile, washed out surroundings, beeping medical equipment, and a prison-like atmosphere.  Why I get this image I am not sure - maybe holding on too tightly to stereotypes of the past when nursing homes and hospitals were scary places of neglect and sadness.

I know that nowadays, most assisted living facilities strive to make their environment more homelike, and in some cases “resort” like.  I also know that many “facilities” are actually converted houses in residential areas that look nothing like a medical building or business.

That’s why I like “Assisted Living Homes” when referring to a senior care environment that offers assisted living.  It sounds more “homelike” - a place where apple pie is baking and a lazy housecat is resting on the couch.  After all, who wants to live in a facility.  I’d rather live in a home.

My stomach is in knots today, thinking about everyone on the Gulf Coast in the face of Gustav.   Evacuations have begun and I think this time people are going to take Gustav very seriously.

I don’t live in the Gulf area, but I have to wonder what goes through the minds of assisted living facility administrators when a category 4 hurricane is barreling toward them.  Of course, most people would say, without much thought “evacuate the residents.”  But, what the averege person may not know is that some residents may be endangered more by the process of moving them than by the hurricane itself.

This is a decision that I would not like to ever have to make.   I know that during Katrina several facilities decided to ride the storm out, which resulted in disaster.

I really just wanted to send my good thoughts and energy towards everyone in this area.   I can’t imagine the stress you all are going through.

Blessings.

My great aunt was living in an assisted living facility in El Paso several years ago.    My folks and I were on a vacation when we received a phone call that she was gravely ill and only had a weeks, if not days to live.   We promptly packed up our luggage, got in the car, and drove about 600 miles overnight to El Paso to assist her.

We arrived at the hospital, and she did indeed look to be on her last days.   She was sunken, her pupils were dialated, and she was hardly coherent.  It wsa very sad, and I thought that she could go at any minute.

One topic of conversation that came up in the hallways was what to do with her beloved cat, Tatters.  Tatters was at home, and my great aunt was in no condition to give instructions on what to do with the cat.   The topic of the cat soon was forgotton as we attended to my aunt.

My aunt passed away a few days later.  I had to leave town as I had some work commitments to attend to, and came back the next week for the funeral.   I asked someone what happened to Tatters.   I learned that she too was put to sleep.

I wondered why this action was taken.  I am a cat lover, and would have happily taken Tatters if I had been asked to.  Maybe I should have volunteered to take her in the first place.

What is the best course of action when a pet is involved with a singular caretaker that is facing imminent death?   Is it better for the animal to be put to sleep, as it may suffer more with the loss of it’s owner?   Is it better to take it to the pound?

I don’t know the answers to these questions.  I do know that cats and dogs have successfully been handed to new owners at all stages of their lives, and that a lot of love and reassurance is what is needed.

I just wish that someone would have asked me.