Just because a person has a set-back and ends up in a nursing home doesn't mean the person has to stay in the nursing home for the rest of his or her life. According to an article in the New York Times about some work done by Medicaid in 29 states, there are ways, after recovery from the health incident that put the person into a nursing home, for him or her to get back a home and regain some independence. Needed services can be hired and brought there.

If you are looking for a living community that balances individual freedom with shared commitments and values, you might want to investigate the co-housing model, as described in the the New York Times article "To Your Left, a Better Way of Life?" To learn more, visit the Website of the Co-housing Association. While many co-housing communities are not specifically intended for seniors, most are intergenerational, and a growing number — such as Silver Sage in Boulder, Colorado, and Elder Spirit in Abingdon, Virginia — require members to be at least 55. 

This guest article on TheSeniorList.com blog lists pros and cons of different care and home options to help people discuss their concerns with aging parents.

Have you met Dr. Bill Thomas, founder of The Eden Alternative and advocate for a more imaginative and humane approach to aging? If not, you should read this interview, watch this video, and visit the website of this person who is doing so much to re-imagine the aging process.