Supporting our Parents in the Community

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Older adults want to live in the community, as close to friends and families, as long as possible.
Many companies and organizations are working together to support elders in maintaining their independence and active lifestyles in the community of their choice, often their homes of many years. As some elders become older and frailer, they need more support from friends and family to keep independent. Typical challenges include transportation, home repairs, companionship, and eventually, care with activities of daily living (eating, dressing, bathing, walking, etc.). Action In Maturity is a not-for-profit transportation provider in North Baltimore.

Local government agencies have a wealth of information for older adults and their families:

• Baltimore City – Commission on Aging and Retirement Education
• Department of Aging, Baltimore County
• Department of Aging, State of Maryland

In many cases, family members want to keep their loved one safe, which may mean a move out of their home. Here's an interesting blog shared by Sarah Mashburn at AAHSA.

Aging at Home… Is It Overrated? I know my 85-year-old Grandma would answer with a resounding “no!”, but there is an emerging consensus among experts that aging at home may not be the best option for every older adult.

I recently read a blog post by Corinne Reider, the executive director and treasurer at The John A. Hartford Foundation. The foundation’s whole mission is to improve health care for older Americans, and Corinne believes sometimes that means residential care options.
In her post, Corinne describes her experience caring for her parents. The couple has 17 chronic diseases between them, including blindness and Alzheimer’s disease. They refused to consider moving into a retirement community or assisted living. While they moved a few blocks from Corinne’s brother, the siblings struggle to deal with their mother’s falls and their father’s refusal to get out of bed.

Are you having conversations with your family members regarding their personal challenges and their wishes to remain at home?