Hello, I don't know how to go about looking for an apartment for my mom. She is 62 and living alone; she presently lives with my sister but my sister is giving her hell. This is only making her depressed, sad and even lonely. I hate it and need to have her move out. She can't move in with me because of the distance (she lives in chicago, I'm in suburbs) and she doesn't drive. Does anyone know how to go about finding her an apartment (preferably chicago pilsen area)....I hate to see her go through this. We are such a typical family but dealing with just problems which I'm sure every family has. I need to help her and can't find an easy way to do it. Any suggestiongs would be helpful.
I would contact the local Senior Assist program or the Agency on Aging and ask them if they have any suggestions.
62 is really young... does she have health or mental problems that are preventing her from being an active participant in her own life?
Get in touch with an elder care association in your area that will know of reduced rent places for seniors.
Definitely look for a senior hi-rise. They will have activities and stuff but she can stay pretty much independent. Do any of her friends live in a senior building? Ask around, her friends, her doctors, at church, etc.
I would check to see if there are any active senior living communities in the Chicago area. That way your mom can maintain her independence but have the benefit of having a built in social support system. I'm not familiar with the Chicago area so I'm afraid this is the only suggestion that I can offer you.
Hope everything turns out well.
Any senior living Condominium.... because, any condo will have security and be safer that way.
And 24 hour assistance and/or transportation/shuttle help for the residents and activities for them and she could make other friends that way.
And yes, at only 62 years old... is she unable to do things on her own, can she drive? Can she live alone? really? Or not? Health problems? Mobility problems? Vision problems? etc.?
I would check out a retirement home. There are many that are geared to that age, provide transportation and outings, meals, friends, etc., and then if she ever needs care, they transition to that too.
A senior building, definitely! My ex-MIL lives in River Woods on North Avenue in Maywood and LOVES it.
The funny thing is: she owned a duplex and when we were first married we lived in the downstairs unit, supposedly so we could help her out- but she would never allow us to do ANYTHING. When we moved out, her feelings were so hurt and she didn't want to deal with a tenant, etc. so with much moaning and wailing, she sold the house.
She moved into a condo at River Woods (there is also a building with apartments, and another for elder people who need more serious healthcare as well as townhouses) for residents 50 and over- and she loved it!
In her old neighborhood, all the other people her age (70s) had either passed away or moved into a home or somewhere else. Now, she is surrounded by other people who are close in age, still very active and share her interests.
She rides the senior bus downtown to get her hair done or see a movie, plays cards and brags on her grandchildren with the other ladies in the complex. It has been a WONDERFUL place- safe, monitored 24 hours with a 'panic button' in the unit to call for assistance if she needs it.
It can be a very difficult transition to make- but once she was in there, it was the best thing for sure. Good luck!
