LIVING ENVIRONMENT CHOICES

Baca:

"The prudent carefully consider their steps." (Proverbs 14:15 NLT)


Bacaan tahunan: 1 Kings 9-11

Thoughts for Today

Evaluating and selecting a living environment for your loved one, whether short term or long term, is a major decision. To determine the best alternative, begin by examining current and expected needs. Consider questions like these:

What is unsatisfactory about the current arrangement?
What changes would best address those issues?
Can they be addressed without a move? How?
If a move is needed, would a family residence or a care facility be more suitable for our situation?
If a facility, what level of care would best meet the needs? Independent living with help available as needed? Assisted living? Nursing home?

As today's scripture says, consider your steps carefully. Do your homework! Get on Google. Explore the differences in the various types of facilities. Talk to people you know who have had someone in a care facility. Talk to people you know in the caregiving or medical fields. Discuss with other family members. And, of course, discuss what you are learning with your loved one if she or he is able-and really listen to the response.
Consider This ...
When you have chosen the type of environment needed, start your research again. If you have determined your loved one can still live in a residence, explore ways to address the current unsatisfactory issues in that residence. Learn about medical alert tools, ways to make the physical environment more friendly to your loved one's physical needs, home healthcare . . . and other possible solutions.

If you have decided a care facility would be more appropriate, begin comparing those in your area. Make a list of must-haves and would-like-to-haves. Research the facilities online. Again, talk to people who may be familiar with any of them. Ask to see the facilities' inspection reports. Visit unexpectedly at different times of the day or night. Most of them would be happy for you to come for a meal. If your loved one is able, be sure to include him or her in that.
Consider your steps carefully. Listen to your loved one. Do your homework. And above all, pray for guidance.


Living Free Every Day® is a ministry of livingfree.org


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