Senior housing fair to address long-term care questions

That assisted living or nursing facility you pass on your way to work or to visit a family member may one day be “home.” According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ website, longtermcare.gov, seven in 10 of those who are turning 65 years of age will likely need some type of long-term care in their lifetime.

“The conversation that it is time for an elderly parent to give up the keys to the family car is usually emotionally charged,” observed Lydia Gadd, director of Westlake's Community Services Department. “Another difficult conversation is the prospect of having to sell a beloved home because mom or dad cannot live there safely any longer. It is beneficial in these circumstances to take time to collect information and research possible solutions before saying a word. Often the goals of elderly parents and adult children can conflict. By gathering information, and moving slowly and with compassion, the needs of both sides can be better balanced.”  

To help both seniors and the loved ones who may be assisting in the decision-making process, the City of Westlake’s Community Services Department is hosting a free Senior Housing Fair on Tuesday, Feb. 21, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Refreshments will be served. The event is open to both Westlake residents and non-residents. Since seating is limited, attendees are asked to RSVP by calling 440-899-3544 before Tuesday, Feb. 14.

“Many of our patrons have questions about the senior housing market and little understanding about the differences in types of housing, cost and other issues surrounding moving from their homes,” said Donna Feorene, outreach cordinator for the department. “Planning in advance reduces stress when an immediate need arises. This event is designed as an easy way to get informed.”

Applicable for immediate needs as well as future planning, the panel discussion beginning at 9 a.m. will cover all the basics of senior housing: types of senior housing, affordability, signs that it may be time to move, and selling your home. Panelists will be Kim Bermann of Generations Healthcare, Jill Kolczyinski of My New Villa, Kathy Bultema of Devon Oaks, Sherry Ascher of Howard Hanna and Carleen Broberg of Rae-Ann.

In the second hour, attendees can meet with representatives from some of the local senior housing providers, including Arden Courts, Berea Lake Towers/Crystal Water, Brookdale, Devon Oaks, Independence Village, My New Villa, O’Neill Healthcare, The Gardens of Westlake, and West Bay Center.

The latest information about the Senior Housing Fair can be found online at www.cityofwestlake.org/Senior-Housing-Fair.

Westlake residents and their families who are unable to attend or have additional questions can schedule a private appointment with Donna Feorene by calling the department. She can help identify viable housing options, discuss factors they should consider to identify the right option, questions to ask when touring, and more. Additional information about the social services provided by the Community Service Department and links to resources can be found at www.cityofwestlake.org/Social-Services.

Recognizing the importance of providing timely information both for adults with senior parents and those who will be retiring in a few years, both Lydia Gadd and Donna Feorene are available to speak to groups about senior issues and social services at Westlake companies and in the community.

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Volume 9, Issue 3, Posted 9:47 AM, 02.07.2017