The New York Times posted my response in a letter to the editor, Sunday, 9/15/2019, discussing the pro the pros and cons of assisted living and the options for elder care. Families will have to make tough decisions as we and loved ones age.
Here it is my letter without the link, but you might want to check out other responses click the Assisted Living: Is It the Right Choice? I will appreciate any feedback about your aging in place or assisted living experience. Thank You
Ira
To the Editor:
My family has had nightmare experiences with assisted living facilities. I suggest that “buyer beware” is the best way to evaluate them. Even if a loved one lives in a quality facility, the family still needs to be involved and vigilant.
The way things are moving now, the only good assisted living options will be within expensive life care communities, exacerbating the growing division between the “haves” and “have-nots” in our society.
“Money Follows the Person” care models, such as the one in my state of Connecticut, pay family members to manage care for loved ones with dementia, Alzheimer’s and other illnesses. Still to be determined: How will these families be trained and supported long term?
It is the rapidly aging baby boomers like me who must support new policies that improves access and creates greater oversight of assisted living facilities — policies that balance the burden for families.
Ira Yellen Glastonbury CT
Founder aginginplacetoolkit.com