Sometimes when talking to older clients, I find that for them, staying in their home is their best bet. This can only be accomplished, though, if the right support system is in place for this individual. Some of the most heart breaking things I have seen is when someone has finally reached the point where staying in the home is not the right move.
I saw this with my grandmother, my father, and now my in-laws. My mother-in-law was told recently by her husband that she would not be returning to their home of many years. She was in a rehabilitation facility, hoping to get mobile enough to go home. The burden of caring for her has been on my father-in-law and he is not well enough anymore to continue.
Once the determination was made to move to a retirement facility, my mother-in-law just gave up. She is now headed for palliative care. She just gave up.
When working with elderly clients, make sure the entire family is involved in all decisions, if possible. Giving up your home of many years is a difficult and scary decision for most to make. Having loved ones around for support can make this decision process go more smoothly.
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