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I am 89 years old and still living in my home and independent. What helped me to decide to stay in my home was visiting a couple of facilities that advertise independent living. I found the apartments were very small and that I would not be able to bring my own furniture and other things with me. The rents are not cheap either. So far I am managing with a cleaning helper who comes every three weeks and a gardener who comes every month. I am extremely fortunate to now have anything major wrong with me. I have a torn tendon in my right arm but it does not need surgery. This afternoon I go to physical therapy to make arrangements for 12 sessions. I do not need to take a bunch of drugs. This definitely helps. I can and do still drive so I do not need to depend on anyone to get me to where I need to be. At my age I cannot know how long I will be on this earth or if I will need any assisted living. But based on what I read about the costs, I believe it will be cheaper for me to hire my own assistants to come here where I am comfortable.
Replies to "I am 89 years old and still living in my home and independent. What helped me..."
You sound so amazing and fortunate to have your health! I envy your ability to continue driving which I can no longer do.
I wish I could afford a regular gardener.... I lack the resources to hire help but am grateful to own a small, lo-maintenance home.
Good luck with your upcoming PT.
I totally agree. Most assisted living facilities fall short when it comes time to really need help. Hiring private care in your own home is much more economical, and comfortable.
I'm hoping to be able to stay in my home till the end. I have a 2 story home which I loved when I bought it new while I was still working. 16 steps up and 16 steps back down require concentration to make sure I don't stumble. I've found great success going down the stairs sideways holding on to the railing with one hand. Much easier on the knees. PT I was seeing really liked that idea. I will look into having a stair lift installed when that time comes. If I had to move, I'd really miss not being near to my long time friends. That is a network that thru years of friendship & support keeps me & my friends going!
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As an 80-year-old female living independently in a rural area of Montana, I have also found it more affordable to hire those folks to do various chores for me that I used to do myself. I absolutely love my home and the critters that come to my property (deer, bears, foxes, ravens, etc.). I never want to leave and have slowly adjusted my living situation to meet my needs as I age.