Assisted living builds a vital bridge between independent living and nursing home care. What will happen to Mabel Johnson? At 85, Mabel, who has been active and independent all of her life, can no longer live in her rural home alone. For years she managed her house and garden alone. Now, because of her arthritis and other ailments, she needs help with simple chores such as cleaning, cooking and getting dressed. Mabel wishes to retain her self sufficiency and independence, and do as many things for herself as she can, as long as she can. Furthermore, she wishes to retain the home ties she has with the community where she has lived for so many years. What are her alternatives? Five or 10 years ago Mabel’s choices would have been limited. But today, Ms. Johnson is planning to enter an assisted living facility that is right in the community near where she was raised. Here she will have meals, housekeeping services, laundry, social activities, and personal attention with dressing and bathing as needed. Her medications can be maintained by the staff, and reordered and administered on schedule. An R.N. will oversee her medical concerns. It will be easier for people she knows well to come to visit her or pick her up for family activities outside the facility. Families are encouraged to take loved ones out for visits to home or community events. Former neighbors and family members can visit at any time. Assisted living is an example of the good news in aging. Local governments, private corporations, and the frail elderly themselves have creatively met the need for care at a reasonable cost, while maintaining the individual’s dignity and independence. Many small communities cannot support a large set of facilities. Nonetheless, small communities have much to gain from having a small assisted living facility within its borders. Some assisted living facilities believe that it is in everyone’s interest to keep the elderly in the fabric of their families, their surroundings and their communities as long as possible. These smaller, home-like facilities typically house 15-20 residents. Stop in to see the warmth and comfort Heritage House of Kimball has to offer, or call (320) 398-8643 for information. Join us for dessert and coffee on Thursday afternoons from 2-3 p.m. Check us out on the Web at www.heritagehouseofmn.com.
