Are There Options to Nursing Homes?

Many people end up in nursing homes for their final years. But there are alternatives. With proper support and community involvement, it is increasingly likely that an individual in need of nursing home-type assistance can receive such attention while remaining in his or her home. Unfortunately, a person on Medicaid, under current law, will find it very difficult to accomplish that. However, if an individual has obtained long term care insurance which provides sufficient benefits, the policy can provide funds for nursing care and other care such as food preparation to allow the person to remain at home (also known as “aging in place”).

Easing the Stress of a Senior Move

Moving to smaller quarters after the children move out or retirement kicks in can be stressful and a pain…so many memories and deciding what you can’t take with you.

You can stage a garage sale and endure the hassle if you enjoy bargaining over the value of your personal property collected over many years.

For most, though, using a professional is a better idea and an auction house might generate more money.

For local on-site “tag sales” (estate sales), consider “Caring Transitions” (410-951-4111). For auctions off-site, I’ve used Caplan’s Auction Co. in Savage (410-750-7678) and Associated Auctioneers in West Friendship (fairgrounds) (410-489-7200).

Good luck and think positively! No more snow shoveling to do.

Death Brings Myriad Emotions

When a loved one dies, particularly if it’s a spouse, the survivor is often overwhelmed by a variety of emotions. Here is a list of what might be encountered:

Shock: The survivor may be stunned by the turn of events, even after a lengthy illness.

Disorientation: Some may experience confusion and have trouble focusing.

Denial: The loss might seem like a bad dream. The survivor may withdraw from daily activities or experience a flurry of activity and return to work and hobbies shortly after the death.

Anxiety: Extreme worry about the future may lead to paralysis of thought or action.

Guilt: Wishing one had done things differently, or been there more, even if he or she was caring and concerned at the time of illness.

Depression: Lingering sadness or a melancholy that comes and goes even years later.

Vulnerability: Others may seem to be out to fool the surviving spouse—and that may have a measure of truth in it. It is wise to proceed into new areas of interest with caution.

Loneliness: Despair at returning to an empty house, especially at night. This emotion may prompt some to latch onto other people just because they are available.

These feelings usually pass with time. But, it might be several months or much longer depending on the individual. For most, there will come a time when the survivor is able to accept what has happened and resume “normal” activities, although certainly never forgetting. Despite what some well-meaning friends might say, life will never be the same.

The progression of grief is necessary to recognize because until these unavoidable emotions have dissipated, the survivor is not in a proper frame of mind to make long-term decisions whether it be about legal, financial matters or family.