Needs of seniors can be met
without loss of independence
By Linda Riley
Most people would prefer to stay in their own homes as they age; but for some, the demands of keeping up the house, once taken in stride, can become too overwhelming. Driving ability may diminish, and it may be time to get rid of the car; without it, food shopping and getting to medical appointments become more challenging.
All of this may mean it’s time for a change, but that doesn’t have to mean giving up your independence. There is a broad continuum of living options in the Philadelphia area for older people, whether they want to be completely on their own, but without the responsibilities of a house, or need extra assistance to stay in their homes.
There are several LIFE (Living Independently For Elders) programs in the area, designed to enable seniors who have long-term care needs to remain in their own homes. Seniors who enroll in a LIFE program can receive a variety of services, depending on their needs.
The individual’s healthcare and social service needs are coordinated, and transportation to health-related appointments is provided. Skilled-nursing and rehabilitative care and home health aides can be provided to those 55 and over who are certified to need nursing care. The LIFE programs serve individuals in designated zip codes; for example, NewCourtland LIFE in Germantown serves its surrounding geographic area, as do the University of Pennsylvania and St. Agnes Continuing Care LIFE programs.
Adult day care services
Adult day services are available through the LIFE programs and other organizations. These services offer a safe place for seniors who are not able to remain at home alone while their family members or caregivers are at work. Some senior community centers, such as Journey’s Way in Roxborough, also operate an adult day center. Others include ElderWatch Plus, Circle of Friends, St. John Neumann Place and Inglis Foundation. Each is focused on a particular geographic region, and services are available for virtually every area of the city and suburbs; the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA) website at www.pcaCares.org lists more than 20.
For seniors who desire independent living without the upkeep of a house, there are apartment buildings where residents have a range of options, from complete self-sufficiency to receiving services for an additional fee.
The Yorkhouse has apartments ranging in size from studio to one-bedroom with two baths. Residents can choose to do their own cooking and cleaning, or pay an extra fee for weekly housekeeping service and one meal a day.
Full-service CCRCs (continuing care retirement communities) provide a continuum of care, from independent living to more assisted living, and then, as an individual’s needs increase, skilled nursing. They also offer solutions to the problem of being unable to drive as you get older — providing transportation, trips, social activities, etc.
PHA facilities
Philadelphia Housing Authority operates more than a dozen housing facilities just for seniors. Germantown House at 5457 Wayne Ave., provides “congregate housing services,” serving two meals a day, seven days a week. Wyncote Church Home offers unfurnished studio apartments for people over 65. One meal a day is served in the main dining room; laundry services are free and shopping trips are available. Residents may contract for additional meals or services.
These are just a few of the options available. For more information, you may call the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA) Helpline, 215-765-9040; or visit www.pcaCares.org