Senior Housing: A Lonely Journey of Tough Decisions

SeniorPhoto byRavi PatelonUnsplash

At 78, Gerri Northington never set out to live out her golden years alone. She, along with many others, always thought she’d grow old gracefully next to the love of her life. Unfortunately, she’s one of the 27 percent of seniors who live alone. Washington State has plenty of senior citizens. Many are trying to decide whether or not to move to senior housing, remain in their own home, or move in with family.

Gerri could move closer to her kids, but they all have their own lives to lead. Widowed, she has chosen to remain single and lead her own life. She’s not alone. Hundreds of people in the same age bracket face tough decisions every day.

Living alone as a senior brings with it, its own set of concerns. Medical issues can arise out of nowhere. Many stop driving but still need a ride to appointments or for groceries. The list of potential issues can go on and on.

A visit to senior communities is often the first step to deciding if that is the right decision. Sometimes, though, there seems to be a clique like in high school that can be challenging at best to break into. The typical question “Would I ever fit in with these folks?”

It can be lonely and isolating to live alone as a senior. Many seniors don’t want to give up their independence. In Gerri’s case, she has chosen to live alone in a senior housing facility. However, that brings with it a few concerns. Her car was recently broken into, and she wonders if perhaps she’d be safer moving to the suburbs closer to her kids.

The decision is never easy. What are your plans when you reach that age? Do you have parents crossing that threshold now or soon? How are they coping?

Did this story resonate with you? Consider sharing on social media and ignite conversations that can make a difference.

Click “follow” to make sure you don’t miss any of my future articles on Washington State. To read my previous articles, click on my photo and scroll down the page. I write about all things Washington State. If you enjoyed my article, please help support me as I am an unpaid family caregiver to my elderly parents and buy me a coffee here. If you have an article idea, you can also leave me a message when you buy me a coffee.

You can sign up to be a user of NewsBreak here.

You can sign up to write and earn money as a contributor on Newsbreak here.

© Selkirk Sentinel. 2024 All Rights Reserved.