Strengths & Barriers to Elderly Transitions

Aging brings limitations and struggles that make life challenging as a person gets older. As bodies lose strength, agility and functionality, people often find themselves confronted by difficult decisions which often include changes in living environments. Reductions and loss of independence can be painful for many people and when done right, comforting and even empowering for others. When facing a potential transition, it's important for elderly people and their families to consider what can make a transition successful.

Relief

• When seniors struggle to take care of themselves and their homes, their lives become stressful. As with aging, the stresses and difficulties usually come on slowly and can remain barely noticeable for quite some time. Usually people aren't ready for transition to some form of assisted living environment until things become unmanageable and force their awareness. After seniors finally decide to move in with family, join a retirement community or enter an assisted living facility, they often find a strong sense of relief from the burden of their stresses.

Safety

• Seniors who live independently despite serious medical conditions or physical deterioration may be in danger -- particularly when they live alone. Someone with a history of strokes, for example, usually becomes weaker and more challenged with each passing stroke and faces increased danger of another stroke. When such a person lives alone, they may not get the help they require during a stroke, which can lead to paralysis and death that could have been prevented. Transition to an environment with others around ensures help is available. This holds true with seniors who are prone to falls, heart attacks and confusion. When a senior understands how a transition will improve his safety, it can make the decision and process more palatable.

Self Image

• After a lifetime of doing, going, deciding, leading, caring and supporting, it can be very difficult for people to find themselves in the position of needing care. People who think and feel younger than their bodies can be especially resistant to change. They don't want to accept a transition is necessary, let alone the implications. Few people find the prospect of surrendering autonomy and independence attractive. Family members and health care professionals face the task of helping seniors deal with these difficult issues in order to make a successful transition to a living situation that benefits them.

Cost

• Retirement communities and assisted living facilities can be very costly. In most cases, insurance and Medicare pay only for medically necessary living situations such as nursing homes. Seniors who don't function well independently, but don't need or want long-term care services, have to pay for their housing. While there are elderly care housing options at a variety of price points, some cannot afford even the least expensive ones.