Independent living is one of the last remaining original styles of housing, for older people. When you were growing up in your parent’s home, you learned to manage and coordinate a large number of household tasks. You may have even attended a couple of classes or worked as an apprentice, before you got a job. That’s how it is when you grow up; and the better education you received, the better your skill set.
Now, at least for some older adults, independent living can be the very last style of living they wish to continue. Often, the primary reason for this decision is the loss of independence.
A very elderly woman has recently been very happy with her assisted living home in Northern Michigan. She was delighted with her routine activities of life, the community, the other residents, and the cost of the services. Her personal trainer was a part of that routine activity; her assistant took care of her personal hygiene; she was very active in the group and enjoyed time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
But, one day, the very old person fell ill and began having difficulty breathing. At first, her family feared that she had pneumonia but soon realized that it was much more serious.
The family decided to try their best to help the ‘old person’ while the ‘caregiver’ continued to assist the family. They tried to take the old person out for long walks around the neighborhood. They provided her with a water bottle. She could not drink her water when she was out walking, so a glass of water was the only beverage she could get.
She made the most of her time, playing board games and chatting with her family member. Soon, however, she began to gasp for air while sitting and trying to hold a conversation. The doctors diagnosed her with asthma.
To add insult to injury, her family had to worry about the problem areas on her house being cleaned. They had to call out help several times, because the elderly woman was unable to do much of anything other than take long winded breaths and whimper.
One evening, the ‘poor little lady’ came home from her visit with the doctor, when the beautiful girl appeared with her tea and coffee. With the help of the senior in charge, they set up the plans to take the beautiful girl for a very long walk, while the family cooked up some delicious treats for them to enjoy together.
In that moment, the poor little lady knew that the only wonderful gift that she could give the family was her time. She could keep the family active and take care of themselves and their loved ones.
The ‘old person’ also understood what the end result of all this effort would be. She realized that independent living was just another detail, like curtains, flooring, or decorations. When she learned to eat her meal, or go outside, or run errands, she could easily join the others.
While the end result of all this effort was a very comfortable life, the old person could do her own life. She could maintain her independence and dignity. She realized that independent living was her best option for life after nursing home care.