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Jack,

I can only tell you what has worked for me as far as living fairly
safely and comfortably for the last four years. I have had PD for 20 yrs
and about 5 yrs ago I found I had to retire on disability.  I was a
widow living in the home where I had lived for 20 years and my children
began to worry, especially after I had suffered several falls.  We
looked at several elderly places, most with one room and you were only
eligible for the facility if you could get to the dining room under
your own power,  We did look ar one place, however, that consisted of
one or two bedroom apartments with their own kitchen even though you
could (and did pay for) eat 3 meals a day in a communal dining room.
However, in most ways you were on your own and could lie some time
before you were discovered after a fall. My kids didn't think it would
provide enough security and we crossed it off the list.

Then, six months later I saw an article in the paper describing a wing
opened up by this same elderly community that had staff available 24
hours a day for handicapped but still indepenedent adults. Staff was
available for shower help, assistance in getting to the dining room if
needed and to do laundry,  They also checked on people and were
available for med reminders, putting drops in eyes etc.

This arangement has been good for me.  I have my own living room in
which to entertain my friends and my own kitchen to brew up a cup of
coffee. They do my laundry and clean my apartment once a week. There is
a bank and a beauty shop in the building. It has worked out well and I
dread the aternative. I'm not aware of many places like this. It's not
perfect but I think it's worth looking for something similar.

Joan Holliday