subject: When Parents Are No Longer Independent [print this page] When parents are older it is a tough decision where their best interest lie. No one wants to think about having to live at an assisted living facility in Utah or anywhere, but the reality is that many baby boomers parents are at the age when they no longer can life independent. We recently went through this very dilemma with my husbands father. His mother died about two years and his father quickly went down hill. He was able to live alone quite comfortably for about a year after her passing until he fell and broke his hip.
This was the beginning of the end of his independence. We met as a family to decide what the best care for him would be. We discussed his living with his children but due to stairs, small houses and other obstacles they weren't very viable options. We started the process of touring and visiting with senior living centers, assisted living facilities in Utah to determine our options. What we found out was very encouraging. The facilities were beautiful with delicious meals, swimming pools, onsite medical care, trained staff, we even toured a assisted living center that had animals that roamed the halls. Cats, dogs and even a trained kangaroo.
After careful deliberation we had him do a test run at the center we choose. He actually enjoyed it far more than we thought he would. He had three meals a day prepared for the first time since his wives passing, he had friends to talk to, games and activities on a daily basis, and due to the overwhelming female to male ratio he was a hot item. The women took good care of him and he had plenty of people looking out for him. It was like he had checked into a spa. He played Bingo with the people, had classes, crafts, exercise classes and generally enjoyed himself. We were all so relieved. I am sure the same holds true for senior and assisted living centers and facilities in Arizona.
When parents can no longer care for themselves, it isn't safe or healthy then is the time to make other arrangements. The facilities actually give them more to do than if they were living at a child's home just watching television all day. It is a tough decision, check out the centers well and find one that fits the personality and lifestyle of your loved one.
by: Art Gib
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