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I certainly wouldn't label you, or any other care giver doing their best, as a "bad guy." Though I would respectfully disagree with one thing you said.

Your statement that "By the time a person reaches the age of 85, half of us will have some type of dementia..." is an all-too-common misconception. On average, 88% of senior women will complete their life without dementia, and 92% of men will complete their life without dementia. (Hill)

There are certainly plenty of other circumstances that can necessitate senior care, and dementia is by no means a small issue, but we do a disservice to the senior community at large when we make assumptions that the majority of seniors have (or will have) dementia.

posted 3 years ago
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I certainly agree that it is sad that so many senior living facilities don't accomodate pets and couples, but I hope you don't start believing that none of them do!

Like Leftcoast stated, there are places here in Portland that welcome pets with open arms! I know it might seem a little boastful, but I have to brag that Rose Villa Senior Living Community, where I work, has been welcoming pets for the whole 50 years we've been around!

The issue of couples in senior living is even more serious. Not only can it be difficult to find suitable living arangements for husbands and wives, but the situation can be even more difficult and scary for long-term same-sex couples. I recently viewed an eye-opening video by Project Visibility that gives some startling facts about the difficulties that LGBT couples have with resources for seniors. This is an issue that nobody talks about much, and Rose Villa is proud to be accepting of all couples.

posted 3 years ago
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Having to move when additional care becomes necessary is one of the things I have the hardest time understanding with some assisted living facilities. Isn't that the worst possible time to have to move or find other living arangments?

This is one of the reasons I've been so impressed with Continuing Care Retirement Communities since I learned about them (Full Disclosure: I work for a CCRC in Portland.) I really like the idea that no matter how a senior's needs may change over time, once they move in they are able to stay where they are.

As a former CNA I have seen firsthand the difference that comes from actively making choices for your future, rather than waiting until someone else has to make those choices for you. My wife and I are still relatively young (late twenties) but we have already talked seriously about saving now so we can have the kind of security that comes with a CCRC when we retire.

posted 3 years ago
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