Living with dignity in old age

Most of us at some time will reach an age where it is very difficult to carry on living alone. For some, this happens when they lose their spouse and they simply cannot bear the loneliness after many years of companionship. For some the problem is that of physical ill-health and for some, it could be the increasingly common condition of early dementia. Every older person is an individual, who has the right to determine their own fate. But it is very often the case that a member of the family will share the responsibility of finding a solution.

This will often be whichever of the children feels most responsible and able to take the necessary decisions, and in some cases they will be the ones who actually persuade the mother or father to accept the inevitable.

It may be possible initially to hire helpers privately, who can come to the home, and help out in whatever way is called for, whether just keeping company, or helping with medication or housework. This allows the older person to remain in their own home, which many are most reluctant to leave, but it is often only a temporary solution, as needs become more acute with advancing age.

The obvious answer when this happens, is to think of moving to an old people’s home, an institution where the residents will have their own room, but otherwise live communally with others and have meals and general care provided by paid staff who are always on duty. There are many to whom this living situation does not appeal because of the loss of their independence, and many family members will also be reluctant to consider the move.

For these, an assisted living facility of a more modern kind may be a better answer and provide the perfect compromise. These residential complexes supply care just to the extent needed, while the resident keeps as much independence as they are able to cope with. There is company on hand if wanted but it is not mandatory. There is assistance with cooking and housework, but again only if needed, and importantly there is the security of skilled oversight.

Many older people are most content living in such a situation, combining as it does the maximum independence with the security of knowing that assistance is there whenever it is needed.