"There's no place like home, there's no place like home."

"There's no place like home, there's no place like home."  How many times have we heard that, and picture Dorothy clicking the heels of her red shoes.  There is truth to that statement until your home is no longer compatible.  Every effort should be made to enable elderly people to remain in their homes.  More research needs to be done to make changes so they can remain there.

However, the time comes when the home is no longer compatible.  At this point, especially when one of the spouses is left by themselves, some changes may have to be made.

Unfortunately, the connotation of a nursing home, or assisted living facility has been anything but delightful.  Seniors today recall visiting their parents in small, dark, undecorated rooms.  But that has changed.

If you are facing the dilemma of a loving parent not wanting to give up their home, there is one option that seems to be successful.  Take them to visit one of the homes in your area.  Facilities built for the elderly today are usually beautiful, airy, spacious,  offer delightful entertainment, and many other amenities.

A man who in his 90's was emphatic that he did not want to leave his home.  Family members convinced him to visit one of the homes in their area.  He fell in love with the place immediately, moved within four days, is happy, and says it is like living on a cruise ship, not to mention the fact that all the attention he is getting from the nurses is making him feel younger.  An elderly lady, not wanting to leave her home, after moving, said it was like living in a dorm.  Another comment I heard from both of them was "I wish I had moved here sooner."

Even though persons do not want to leave their homes, sometimes they don't know what they are missing out on.  Finances are often a problem, but there are many programs out there that offer assistance.  One needs to consider when a facility would be more compatible than their home.