I am about to retire. Three years ago my 90+ year old mother moved from New York to live with my sister in California. My sister is 71 and last year had surgeries on both knees. Within six months of moving to the East Bay area, my mother had to have her gall bladder removed. The doctors did not believe she would survive but thank God she did and she came out of hospice care. She now is only able to use a walker for short distances in the house. I am going to become the primary care taker and move her to Florida. My mother was born in St. Augustine, Florida and grew up there. My parents left Florida prior to WWII. The Florida's weather would be good for her. Although I have visited Florida nearly a dozen times, I have never lived there. Where in Florida would you suggest to be a good place to relocate my mother. I am not interested in moving to Miami nor Jacksonville. However, I am open to all other areas in Florida. Your suggestions for places in Florida would be good for an elderly person such as my mother? I am single, my girl friend for more than a decade broke up with me because between work and flying out to the west coast I had no time for her.
Jake
People like The Villages, south of Ocala. St Augustine is nice because you do get some cooler weather. Further south like Naples and Miami can be really hot in the summer. People often leave, so the stores, etc. are less crowded.
When I moved my mother I bought her a first class plane ticket. She was thrilled because she had never flown first class before and the more comfortable seat was well worth it.
It took about 2 years and I finally have her settled and now were being transferred to Texas!
My mother has only been in California for three years. Unfortunately, she does not like being in the east bay at all. She does not know anyone out there. My sister lives in an unincorporated town with no buses and no access-a-ride. Although it is warm to me, my mother constantly complaints about how cold it is in the east bay area. She is very unhappy there. Although she likes the heat, we will have air conditioning. Now my sister does provide good basic care, however, she is not a nourishing type of woman who can provide emotional and psychological support. For example unlike my mother, my sister is not a shopping type of person (she does her shopping via catalogue). My mother is just the opposite and she even enjoys window shopping without buying anything. My sister would never take my mother shopping even if it would save her life. It is like: Here your are, you have been fed, you are clean so I am off to my side of the house and I'll see you later. . . call me if you need me. That is all for now. When we come out there we take her to the departments, then out to lunch or dinner. After any outing she needs to rest for two or three days before we can take her out again.
My sister who has a great support system for herself with three of her four grown married sons living close by. Hers sons stop by and call frequently and will take care of things around the house. My sister, however, is the only siblings in California. For the past three years, I have been flying out to California no less than three times a year if not four. I do not wish to relocate to California - the State is in the red and the taxes are too high.
My mother is on social security and this is her sole source of income prior to her disability. My intention is to lease a large enough house/apartment and have my mother live with me as the new primary caretaker. I want to find a community that would be good for her and for me. My siblings and I are already paying for some 30 hours of home attendant care for mom's custodial care. I did contact the Florida Department of the Elderly in one county, but that individual said she was unable to give any estimate on what assistance the State of Florida would provide until the State had examined her case and had conducted medical examinations. However, Florida is a rather large state with many different aspects. My mother's condition will not get better and I can only hope that she will remain in a positive and pleasant state of mind. Since my mother grew up in Florida and (she is still in her right mind) she has told us that she would be willing to move to Florida (however she would like to return to New York) the move to Florida would be positive. Thanks again for your help.
Jake
Any advise. ?
Prior to transporting any elderly individual, obtain a medial opinion as to whether the elderly person can travel and by what means of transportation.
Mom always wanted to do that. Might be fun. Going to
Check that out.
This is a hard decision.