One of the reasons that the elderly don’t tell you what’s going on is that they fear for the loss of their independence which is quite reasonable.  They also don’t want to appear incompetent or admit that they need help.  In some cases the elderly don’t want to be a burden on their children.

I know of two senior citizens who acted in that way.  One couple realized that keeping up their house was just two much.  They sold their house and moved into a Continuing Care Community.  They have a suite of rooms and participate in the meal plan.  There is a security feature built into the arrangement.  Each day they are requested to phone into the office.  If they do not a staff member checks in on them to be sure that they are alright.

If their condition warrants it they can move into an assisted living wing in the complex or the nursing home.  They have taken steps to provide for themselves without having to live with their children.

A woman I know made the same decision.  She saw how her children argued over who was going to take care of their father, her first husband.  She did not want them to argue over her.  So she sold her condo and moved out of state to a gorgeous Continuous Care Community.

The Continuing Care Communities require a hefty up front fee and monthly maintenance.  But at least they have their independence and a degree of safety.