Question from Anonymous Caring.com community member
Elderly mother living alone, has numerous medical problems including anxiety disorder. She is fine when feeling well, but uncontrollable when falls ill. Is it time for assisted living?
Expert Answer by Nan Hayes
Nan Hayes is founder of MoveSeniors.com, the national resource network of Certified Relocation and Transition Specialists for seniors, and President of RightSized Living, a senior home transition service in Illinois.
Assisted living is restricted to those who can care for themselves but require help with meals, personal hygiene, housekeeping and some routine items such as medications. If your mother's periodic illness requires more care than this, consider other options such as an in home health care agency during those times when additional support is necessary. You may also choose to look into local board and care homes or perhaps a more extensive medical assessment is in order from her healthcare provider or a geriatric care manager. A GCM (www.caremanager.org) can also provide more information for local long term care options.
