How can we convince my in-laws that they need alternative housing?
My mother-in-law just broke her pelvis. She is in remission from breast cancer. My father-in-law spent last year recovering from being hit by a car and non-related gall bladder removal surgery. They live in a 2 story house with no nearby relatives who can check on them on a daily basis. (They also shouldn't be driving at night anymore.) What is their best option for housing? And how do we (their children) convince them that they need alternative housing, to be in a one story house with some kind of assistance?
Expert Answer
Moving from a family home is an overwhelming prospect for an elderly couple. Add on the physical and emotional burdens your in-laws are experiencing and it probably feels like an impossible challenge. But the care needs you are describing are only going to increase over time.
Immediately, they need some sort of personal emergency response system in place. Then, you need to start planning with them how best to meet their long-term needs. If they want to stay where they are, then they will need a lift for the stairs, at a minimum. A professional geriatric care manager can create a good care plan and break up the steps needed so that it is not overwhelming. A care manager can also assist in determining the best housing for their financial capacities, as well as assist in communicating the dangers that exist in their current living situation. Visit http://www.caremanager.org to locate a care manager near your in-laws.