What to Do to Determine if Elderly Family Members Can Live Independently
Get a professional opinion.
Where to Go for a Professional Opinion on Seniors' Ability to Live Independently -- and the Supports They Need to Do It
Sometimes it helps to get an assessment from a professional, such as a geriatric care manager who visits seniors' homes and does formal evaluations. A one-time evaluation can also include an assessment of the home environment. While seniors may initially resist the notion of a "total stranger" checking them out, this one may be worth insisting on (try offering to pay for it as a holiday gift). You may be surprised to find they're willing to share doubts or vulnerabilities with a sympathetic (and experienced) stranger that they're loathe to admit to their own children, easing the family conversations that are likely to follow.
