Our little feathered friend seem to be coming around and some of the babies they had earlier are now happily flying and splashing in the nbird baths. We speak of empty nests regarding our kids, what about in the animal kingdom? Our kids have it made, they can come home again if they want to. Unless we move and not give them our new address. LOL!

I for one would be thrilled to have my boys back and their families. Or is it better for a parent to move in with their adult child if times are tough? Are times ever that tough? Whats your thinking on this?

I'm thinking it would be easier to live with a granddaughter
than my son and his wife. I really don't know. It's just a
thought that's way out there somewhere.

Chatty, my brother and his wife recently moved in with Dad to help care for him. I see this as a huge sacrifice on their part, and am amazed that it's actually taken place. I can't imagine giving up my home and making the move. Even though all of us pitch in (taking dinner tonight) it's not the same as moving in. It's made life much simpler on the rest of us siblings. This was an eldercare issue.

If you're talking about the economy, I know plenty of the younger generation who have moved back home alone, and with children. I think that has to be tough, especially if it's because they've lost jobs, are unemployed, and around all the time.

I hope I don't have to depend on a soul to care for me. Wishful thinking!

Has anyone heard of this? Twenty-four hour senior help, from young women in Poland and Lithuanian.

The organisation sends trained women to households all around Europe to take care of seniors around the clock. Every three months a new one replaces the former caregiver. These are young active women, who do everything from chauffeuring the patients to laying an intravenous needle. The costs lie between 1500 euro and 1900 euro ( $2130.00 – $2700.00)per month. I find this to be a perfect solution, and most importantly the seniors may all remain home.

These organisations are becoming increasingly popular, and have an excellent reputation to boot.

Dotsie, I can’t imagine giving up my home to care for my mother. What a sacrifice. I’d be amazed too.

My daughter has promised me for years, that she will be hiring help to take care of me, if I should ever need it. It's really a standing joke between us. But I think she is wise to have this viewpoint. I cared for my mother the last 6 - 8 months of her life. Hardest thing I've ever done (and I've given birth with no drugs). And it truly affects the memories you have of your parent, in my opinion. I didn't care for my dad in his last days. But I sometimes wish I hadn't seen him four days before he died. Not the best memory. I would have preferred the time before that as my last memory - he was still talking and getting around. And still his funny self.

I don't think I could have my daughter living at home again. Even when she comes for a visit I get a bit annoyed - sleeping way into the middle of the day, etc. Reminds me of those trying teenage years. And I want to pull my hair out by the roots. LOL!!!

Edelweiss3,
There a couple local organizations that go into an elder's
home and do light house chores. Older folks can choose the number of hours they want assistance and young people come in an do housework, prepare meals, and help with whatever is needed.
It sounds good, if the caregivers are honest and trustworthy.
Some are not. And that's a worry. But I like the overall concept. Older people can live at home and that alone is comforting to the aged. But families should keep an eagle eye on what's going on.

I hope I am not a burden to anyone. I don't mind going to an old folks home as long as it's not one that abuses the elderly, you know?
My parents are gone so I don't have to make that choice about them.

I never want to go into a nursing home, never. I pray there will be something better for me. After my mom being in one and my aunt being in another, I can't imagine ever going to one again! Horrible - just horrible. No way for one to end their days.

A nursing home is only acceptable if a family member keeps an eagle eye on the going ons. If you don't have that, then I think getting live in help at home is the better alternative.

ABBEYFIELD
I have great respect for one type of care availiable.We had a relative in one such facility.Her room was furnished with all her own belongings...she made her own breakfast and snacks but a beautiful dining room was set up for lunch and evening meal..
there was a housekeeper...and domestic help...
we visited at any time..a relatives room could be used for family who stayed a distance..the house was a grand Victorian house and the grounds well kept.Even a little dog stayed there with the housekeeper.One lady had her grand piano and gave short concerts...
but the downside was that once the person became in need of serious nursing they had to move...now the society have continuing care...they moved with the times and need.

Facts about ABBEYFIELD
Abbeyfield UK was set up to protect the future of the Abbeyfield movement and is itself a member of the Abbeyfield Society. Abbeyfield UK was registered as a social landlord (RSL) in 2003 and has since grown rapidly in size as many local societies chose to merge their operations with a professional central organisation. Abbeyfield UK is building on its achievements to further develop innovative, high quality care and support services for older people in care homes and supported sheltered housing across England.

There are Scottish Welsh and Northern Ireland arms of the Abbeyfield movement, and the Abbeyfield Society acts as a co-ordinating function for the movement. Its website will signpost people to a range of care and support services for older people.
Our Philosophy of Care

Abbeyfield UK’s mission is:

"To help an increasing number of older people enjoy a high quality of independent living provided through a range of services, including housing, support or care, with local community involvement"

Key to Abbeyfield UK work is the view that:

* older people have an important role to play amongst their families, friends and in their community
* overcoming loneliness and insecurity can make all the difference to a person's wellbeing and quality of life
* local people have an essential part to play in helping older people in their community.

Abbeyfield UK offer residents:

* The chance to live in dignity, valued and respected as individuals, enjoying all rights associated with citizenship
* Privacy and confidentiality in respect of their private affairs
* Security and safety within their homes as part of caring community, able to enjoy the right to be alone and undisturbed
* The opportunity to live a full life and seek fulfilment as individuals, making informed choices about the way they live their lives
* As much independence as they are able to enjoy, taking their own decisions and appropriate risks
* Access to a complaints procedure that generates service improvements

Abbeyfield UK offer commissioners:

* Over 50 years experience of working in local communities
* Small homes that are part of the community that allow residents to feel at home
* Professional, trained staff who understand the needs of residents who may only need short stay or respite care
* Specialist services in some areas looking after people with special needs- such as dementia care or mental health needs
* Flexibility to develop our services to meet local needs and work in partnership with commissioners to meet local strategic plans
* A dynamic and creative approach to providing and developing innovative services for older people in remote communities
* A national provider seeking local solutions with excellence in service provision

Abbeyfield UK look for opportunities to enhance the role of volunteers to promote companionship, health living activities, physical & intellectual stimulation saying ”we believe volunteers add value in a care setting by a restoration of peer group support and bringing the dynamism of activity and enthusiasm. We seek to anchor the home in the life of the wider community.”