December 21, 2006
American-style retirement for Israel’s seniors
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"I would say that sheltered housing suits the 'young elderly.' That is, people who are under 75 or 80, in good health, who are looking for things to do, probably after losing their spouse. They want to move away from their old home and all the memories, and make a fresh start in a nice place," he said.But in most sheltered housing, Danhai noted, no one looks after the elderly until frail health lands someone in a nursing unit. Many sheltered housing facilities don't allow caregivers, or will only allow them to stay in the resident's rooms.
"This is terrible, both for the [caregiver] and for the elderly person. Old-age homes are more care-oriented and have different divisions for people who require different levels of care," he said.
Danhai points out that elderly people living at home can take caregivers in at will, and financial help for this is available from the government for those who need it.
"My position is first and foremost to investigate all the options an elderly person has at home," he said. "Then, if staying at home is not an option, then we can think about what is the best option. People often think that if they pay more they will get more. But that's not always the case."
