Give parents better, affordable lifestyle

This is the time of year when many adult children get together with their parents to celebrate the holidays. While spending quality time together, you may notice changes in one or both of your parents. Little things like weight loss, a lack of attention to appearance or a noticeable change in personality may worry you. It's difficult to see that the people who have always helped you may now need your help.

Some people are hesitant to look into retirement community living. In addition to the inherent desire to preserve the status quo, they think it's only for sick people or that it will cost too much money.

This just isn't the case with Supportive Living, a little-known housing option for seniors in Illinois. Supportive Living communities provide quality accommodations, assistance as needed and robust activity and social calendars-all at an affordable rate with financial assistance available to those who qualify. In these communities seniors can live independently in their own apartments with their own familiar furniture, artwork and personal belongings. They are free to go shopping, visiting or travel as they please.

They can opt for a little assistance with cleaning and restaurant-style dining or more help, if needed, with things like medication assistance and personal grooming.

Change is difficult at any age, but we've all learned through life experiences like going away to college, getting married or switching careers that change is often for the best. So, when your parents are showing signs that living alone in their existing home may be too much work and upkeep for them, particularly if you are concerned about finances, consider looking into Supportive Living.

Ruth Ann Peters

Palatine

Executive Director

Alexian Village

Elk Grove Village