HEALTH & FITNESS

senior living

Frank Machlis, 82, lives

at the Meer Apartments

Sta ff p ho tos by Ang ie Baan

in West Bloomfield.

Sweet
Home
Finding the right residence for your elderly parent.

Ruthan Brodsky

Special to the Jewish News

R

egardless of the money spent
retrofitting bathrooms for safe-
ty, there comes a time when

you and your siblings begin to

discuss alternative living arrangements
for your 80-year-old mother who lives

alone.
Everyone agrees that her house is
too large for her to manage and it is too

costly to maintain. You could hire private
home care services seven days a week,

but it is expensive and she still would be

by herself.
These are some of the reasons why

senior housing has become the pre-

protest will be loss of independence.
Fortunately, senior living communi-
ties are actually designed to empower

to move closer to one of my children,"
explains Machlis. "I selected the Metro
Detroit area because it suited me best.

residents so they can continue to enjoy

"I'm as active here as I was in New
Jersey and have many new friends. I'm

their independence.
Age is no longer considered a bar-

munities also offer numerous levels of
service, such as laundry, housekeeping,

some meals as well as a sense of com-
munity for social and cultural events.
Betty Ross, 80, recently moved to

on the Welcoming Committee, the Food

Prentis Jewish Apartments in Oak Park

rier to enjoying an active life. Today's
seniors are healthier and more mobile
than their predecessors. They want to

Committee and I'm involved with bingo

and attending movies.
"Twice a week, I pick up my grand-

from her large Southfield condominium.
"I realized it was time for me to down-
size and Prentis was my only choice

be productive, regardless of where they
live. The image of retiring to Florida and

kids from school and take them to
Shaarey Zedek Hebrew School. I love

because it is the only residence with
Shabbat elevators," says Betty, who is

playing shuffleboard is obsolete.
Independent care facilities offer resi-

attending all their sports activities. Life

Orthodox.
"The move is working well for me. The
meals are kosher; I'm close to my chil-

dents a variety of intellectual, physical
and social activities, such as wellness

programs, day trips, lectures and easy
access to shopping, theater, syna-
gogues and other venues, depending on

is good."
Essentially, seniors in independent
housing are responsible for their personal

care and daily activities. Yet these com-

SWEET HOME on page A32

ferred option for families with elderly
parents. Knowing that, however, doesn't
take away from the realization that help-

the interests of the residents. They can
provide many opportunities for commu-

Resources

nity involvement and a continuing sense

ing a parent move from his or her home
to some type of senior community is an
emotional topic, replete with compli-

of self.
Frank Machlis, 82, moved to the Meer

JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE OF METROPOLITAN DETROIT (248) 592-2300
Helps determine needs of elderly and refers to appropriate resources.

Apartments in West Bloomfield from

cated feelings, stubborn pride as well as
profound caring and love.
It's likely that your parent's major

New Jersey.
"I lived alone in New Jersey and
when I turned 80 I thought it was time

AREA AGENCY ON AGING I-B (800) 852-7795
Lists housing and programs available in six-county Detroit area. Lists
resources in other states.

April 30 2009

A31