Frances Fuller, the bestselling author of 'Helping Yourself Grow Old, Things I Said To Myself When I Was Almost Ninety', has recently highlighted the essential role of skilled nursing in assisted living facilities. Her insights, derived from personal observations and experiences within her retirement community, shed light on the multifaceted benefits of having skilled nursing services readily available. These benefits range from daily care and chronic disease management to emergency response and rehabilitation services, ensuring a secure and comfortable environment for elderly residents.
Fuller's discussion extends to the financial implications of skilled nursing care, noting that some facilities offer life plans that cover future nursing needs, providing financial security for residents and their families. Beyond the practical aspects, she also explores the emotional and psychological comfort that comes from receiving care in a familiar setting, surrounded by known faces and friends. This continuity of care and community is invaluable for seniors as they transition through different levels of care.
For those in the process of selecting a retirement community, Fuller's article serves as a crucial guide. She advises prospective residents to prioritize the quality and availability of skilled nursing facilities, sharing her own decision to reject a facility due to inadequate nursing care. Her book, 'Helping Yourself Grow Old', further complements this advice by offering a personal and candid look at the challenges of aging, including making informed decisions about long-term care. Available on her website, the book includes discussion questions that make it a valuable resource for individuals and groups alike.
Fuller's work underscores the importance of comprehensive care options in retirement communities and encourages a thoughtful approach to planning for long-term care needs. Her contributions to the literature on aging provide not only practical guidance but also emotional support for seniors and their families navigating the complexities of aging and care.
