Программы поддержки пожилых жителей Лейк-каунти: от услуг IHSS до юридических консультаций

I saw a program about ADUs that intrigued me. An ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) is a small, independent secondary housing unit built on the same lot as a primary single-family home. I’ve since researched ADUs and they aren’t as easy to make happen as I thought. For one on the back 40 permits need to be acquired, there’s foundation, framing, underfloor plumbing, inspection, among other things. They aren’t as cheap as putting a shed up. How do the elderly live out their days? Mostly it’s money. They’ve planned for their retirement. They have money to live off. Some continue to work. Others who haven’t planned, find an affordable place to live, be it a rental or with family. The family that would make an ADU happen would be ideal as long as everyone got along. Old age sometimes softens the elderly. Sometimes softens what adult children expect from their elderly parents. Research shows that elderly people live in a variety of settings depending on their health, finances, and personal preferences, ranging from living independently at home to receiving 24-hour skilled nursing care. Personally I’ve never planned as I’ve been overseas in a situation where my family there would care for me if needed. Now back in the States, my family here is very busy with their lives, and I’ve lived independently from them. As I approach 80 years of age, it’s time to plan. Good grief. Two years until I’m 80. Perhaps I’ll croak before I need to move. At this point I have everything covered. But who knows what resources our president will tank in the next few years. I’ve often wondered if I should hunt for a well-oiled grocery cart. I jest, but I’m sure there are plenty of people in the county who have real concerns that don’t include ADUs. To me an ADU would involve money, money that a lot of Lake County senior residents don’t have. It’s a fantasy. The county, however, provides several excellent county-run and non-profit programs designed to support seniors who wish to live independently, manage day-to-day tasks, or connect with community resources. People who have health issues like I have can get In-Home Support Services (IHSS). My IHSS person helps with light housekeeping, she cooks, as it’s difficult for me to stand at the stove with my stupid back. I sometimes use Instacart to get my groceries or my IHSS person can do the shopping for me. Plus she drives me to doctor appointments. It’s managed by the Lake County Department of Social Services. It is a vital resource designed as an alternative to out-of-home nursing facilities. Every time I get a letter explaining my Medicare benefits, I just file it. I wish I had known about the Health Insurance Counseling & Advocacy Program (HICAP) that provides free, unbiased counseling Medicare benefits, long-term care insurance, and supplemental plans. Next time I get one of those letters, instead of filing it, I’ll call HICAP and have them explain it to me. Fortunately I haven’t needed any legal advice, but if needed it, there’s the Senior Legal Assistance that provides legal guidance specifically tailored to senior issues. There’s also senior centers around the lake that as regional hubs, offering hot meals, emergency outreach, community activities, and assistance with housing or utility bills. During the recent heatwave they provided an AC respite for residents. What’s a girl to do?…Research for ADUs, and ways for the elderly to live, opened my eyes to so many programs in Lake County. Byard enjoys hearing from you. To contact her, email [email protected]