Senior & Assisted Living Advisor Throughout Illinois
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Frequently Asked Questions

Elderwerks provides complimentary assistance in finding any type of senior housing, home care, services, or benefits. Our advisors act as "senior guidance Advisors" to ensure you are receiving information and referrals based on your specific needs. We save you time and stress by helping find a community that best fits your lifestyle, location requirements, budget, and the care you need. When you call Elderwerks you will receive support throughout the whole process. We provide referrals for all senior housing options including independent living, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing facilities, rehabilitation, CCRCs, as well as in-home medical and non-medical care and support services such as Senior Move Managers, SRES Realtors, elder law attorneys, long-term care insurance brokers, reverse mortgage specialists, and much more.

You are not alone. Older adults and seniors sometimes have a difficult time moving from their current home and into a new lifestyle. The thought of moving is overwhelming for most of us and even more so to someone who has lived a lifetime in one place. Older adults and seniors tend to wait too long to make a decision which can prevent a seamless transition. Isolation is one of the key declining factors in a senior’s health. Our suggestion is to have an open conversation. Express your concerns but don't direct them to make a change. Ask them how you can help, what you can do to improve their lives, and what they want as they age. Remind them that living a life and thriving is different than just living.

Visit the communities your Senior Advisor has suggested as options. Once you've toured take your mom to the two properties you think she'll love the most for a tour. Most communities will invite her to a luncheon or special event where she can interact with the residents. These are usually fun and your Mom can get an idea of what living in a community would be like. After the tours ask her what she likes about both of them, which one she could see herself in and then ask her to just try it for a month or three. She can then do a "respite" at the community to see if she could live there permanently.

If she insists on staying in her home there are home care providers that can assist her. If she gets too frail it may be a better option to move her into a community where they can assist her with her daily living tasks and it may be less expensive as well. There are so many options and care choices that will help your Mom to remain independent longer. Keep your Mom involved throughout the process so she doesn’t feel like you’re pushing her into something she doesn’t want to do.

If he fears growing older and not being able to take care of himself then moving into a community is the ideal situation for him. He will be able to live freely, enjoy other seniors in the same setting and a safe environment, and have nutritious meals available to him. A respite stay for you dad may also be a good solution.

You are actively trying to help your Mom. Your Mom will be able to make new friends, she will be active and she’ll probably have more fun than she would have at her old house. Keep in mind your mom should live where she is safe and wake up every day looking forward to the day ahead.

No, you will not lose your independence or freedom. You will actually gain more freedom and a new lifestyle. You will be busy enjoying time with friends and family and you won't be tied to a home that needs maintenance, daily upkeep, etc.

Children should enjoy their time with their parents and not reduce the relationship to full-time caregiver if at all possible. Sometimes taking care of parents can lead to feelings of anger, disappointment, and exhaustion. Caregivers tend to miss more work, have less free time, and have more episodes of depression. However, if this is something you want to do, give it a go. Just be prepared for health changes in your parents such as incontinence, mental status, and neediness. Consider your parents true wishes many other options may be right for them such as supportive living or a retirement community. Explore your options with a Senior Advisor. They can be a great sounding board and will have tons of insight and ideas.

Care can be expensive. Your Senior Care Advisor at Elderwerks is an expert on helping you find both personal and governmental financial resources that can help your elderly parent get the care they need. Of course, all of our services are free to you as we have a broad base of community support that funds our programs.

Elderwerks services are free because of donations, fundraising, grants, and by partners in our network.

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Finding assisted living or other types of aging care can be overwhelming. Let our dedicated team help you navigate your options.

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For your complimentary, person-centered assistance or help touring a senior community, call an Elderwerks Advisor today at 855-462-0100.

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