What is assisted living and would it be suitable for my grandmother?

[Shady Essence]

My grandmother is a widow who is 75 and has recently been experiencing memory problems which are slowly getting worse. She is still able to function but could do with a little support and is finding it hard to live in her family home alone when her children are now in there 40's and moved out and her husband has died.
She does not want to go into a care home and currently she is not ill enough to need to go into a care home so I though that assisted living where she has her own flat and can meet other elderly people would be more appropriate, but I'm not really sure what it is, or whether it is suitable.

[P.L.]

The Social Services department in your area would be able to explain all this to you.

[Jake]

I would suggest a retirement village.

[Charles]

1. she is probably not safe to leave in asst liv situation because she could hurt herself.
2. A real nursing home is likely the only choice, bad as that is sometimes.
3. Believe me, no old person wants to be around only old people. Old people are boring, complaining, and set in their ways... not interesting to talk to... so dont give me that idea.

America dumps its elders in nursing homes where their brains atrophy fast from mis use... tv all day, u gotta be kidding.... and no one hugs them and no family come to visit. Grim at best.

I am hoping to be cared for at home, but who can tell the future.

[DeannetheGreat]

I don't know about England, but in the US a primary necessity for a person to be deemed suitable for assisted living or not is whether he/she can approach the nurse for medication at the appropriate times (morning, evening, etc.). In other words, they have to be able to take some responsibility for the medication regime.

Another option for your grandmother may be a place that specializes in dementia/memory care.

[Spanky]

Go and check out some places - there are many varied lelvels and communities where you progress along in stages - this is not a fun time.. be patient and good luck.

[Malcky]

Your local Social Services can be called upon to make an
assessment of your grandmother, indeed that should be
your first step. If then it is just a case of putting a house
on the market which has grown too big,
she can sell the house to provide funds for her assisted
living in the UK. This can be a flat within a complex where
there is a resident nurse, or a retirement home, though the
latter much depends upon the client having some degree
of mobility and self responsibility.


People often confuse Care Homes, Nursing Homes and
Retirement Homes.

A Care Home tends to be a place where the client has their
own room, has meals provided, is bathed and looked after.
Clients may take some of their own furniture and possessions
to help them feel at home.

A Nursing Home provides the same but will nurse a client
who is chronically ill and often has at least two registered
nurses who are on site 24/7. The other carers tend to be
up to the standard of nursing auxiliaries.

A Retirement Home requires a client to be largely self responsible,
be independent but provides support should you need it.
You have your own flat, own furnishings and possessions.
Often having a daily visit or telephone check from a resident
Support Manager to see if you are OK or require anything.

Have a look at
http://www.housingcare.org
Another helpful organisation is the EAC or
Elderly Accommodation Council
http://www.eac.org.uk
or Freephone 0800 377 7070

I live in a retirement bungalow and the overall
facilities are very good, with total independence
and back up should I become ill.
Hope this helps.