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One of the most heart wrenching conversations I have had in this profession is one in which a client calls our service, already at a point of crisis, uninsured and without family assistance, asking for help locating housing and care.  I have received calls from folks living out of a friend’s car and from a motel room, quickly running out of money.  These images of seniors in need are probably not what you typically imagine when you think of  ”the homeless.”  These are fiercely proud and independent people who have found themselves without a home and without the care they need.

According to 2011 homeless statistical data, one in three California seniors rely exclusively on Social Security as their only source of income. There are no counties or states in our country with market value housing that fall within or below this monthly allowance.  There are very few options in California for low income senior housing and assisted living. Wait lists for subsidized senior housing are long, sometimes as much as 3-5 years. County and state resources are predictably at or beyond budgetary capacity and will continue to struggle to meet the needs of seniors as housing costs continue to rise.

These dire images are not meant to scare you – well, not much. But in all seriousness, having a plan in place for your parents and your own aging process is more important now than it has ever been.  A long-term strategy is best for everyone, but even a short list of local resources in case of a surprise change in financial or health status is a good way to start.

Below are a couple of Bay Area resources in case you or someone you know is facing a housing crisis. Remember, MediCal and Medicare, long-term health insurance and VA benefits can help seniors pay for health care needs including nursing, medical equipment, mental health and in-home health care.

2-1-1 provides free and confidential information and referral. Call 2-1-1 for help with food, housing, employment, health care, counseling and more.   Learn more about your local 2-1-1 by looking it up www.211.org.

EHC Lifebuilders in San Jose offers a network of emergency shelters  and programs in Santa Clara County: 2665 North 1st Street, Suite 210, San Jose , CA 95134
(408) 539-2129 – phone
www.ehclifebuilders.org

When my friend and I were finishing our dinner last night, we laughed – well, I laughed and she shrugged – over her mother’s response to questions about what her plan is for her future if/when she can no longer take care of herself. Well, as much as I admire her humor and independent spirit … May I just say for the record, driving oneself off of a cliff does not, I repeat, does not count as a “plan.”

So how does one go about planning for a loved one’s care if they are not ready or able? There is an ever expanding list of resources out there. If you are your parent’s child, a close friend or a spouse you may be more prepared to help than you think you are. Your insight into your loved one’s daily needs, emotional and physical state, lifestyle and interests as well as temper and personality are very important bits of information to have when beginning your research for resources and possible living alternatives before a health or housing crisis happens.

The first thing I might look into if someone you care for is showing signs that they are unable to continue living safely in their current situation but are not yet ready to move to an assisted living situation, is to gather some resources for in-home care at least for the interim. My family has had some very helpful and compassionate Caregivers who have provided much needed respite care for us.  Gather some names of agencies throughout the Bay Area, such as Visiting Angels, ElderCare Services or contact an organization like Heartwood Health or the Institute on Aging for more comprehensive guidance. Please see our Resources section on SearchSeniorLiving.com for additional options.