Bestselling Author Frances Fuller Emphasizes the Importance of Skilled Nursing in Assisted Living Facilities

Frances Fuller, the renowned author of 'Helping Yourself Grow Old, Things I Said To Myself When I Was Almost Ninety,' has raised an important issue regarding the availability of skilled nursing in assisted living facilities. Fuller, who has firsthand experience with aging, stresses that skilled nursing is essential for a secure and comfortable future in retirement communities. Her perspective is shared in an article posted on her website, where she elaborates on various aspects of elderly care.

According to Fuller, the availability of skilled nursing is crucial for several reasons, including day-to-day care, chronic disease management, emergency response, rehabilitation plans, and medication management. The presence of skilled nursing also provides peace of mind for family members who want to ensure their loved ones are well cared for. Fuller emphasizes the importance of asking about skilled nursing when choosing a retirement community, as it can significantly impact one's quality of life during their final years.

In her article, Fuller poignantly reflects on the impermanence of homes, whether a house or an apartment in a retirement community. She notes that people often move due to the inability to handle the requirements of independent living. However, she reassures that in her community, residents can transition to assisted living or skilled nursing without the need to leave the familiar environment. This continuity of care is a significant advantage, as it allows residents to stay within their community even when their health needs change.

Fuller highlights a key benefit of some retirement communities that operate on a Life Plan basis. In such communities, residents may pay a higher initial price based on their independent living apartment size, but this cost often covers future transitions to assisted living or skilled nursing. This financial structure ensures that residents do not face increased rent when they require more intensive care, as most medical costs are covered by their existing medical insurance policies.

Fuller shares a personal anecdote about her search for a retirement home, where she turned down an otherwise appealing facility due to its inadequate nursing ward. This decision underscores her belief in the importance of a well-maintained and supportive skilled nursing department within retirement communities.

Her book, 'Helping Yourself Grow Old,' offers an intimate and personal account of her experiences with aging. Unlike many books on the subject written from an academic perspective, Fuller's narrative is deeply personal, addressing physical limitations, grief, loneliness, and the decisions she has made to cope with these challenges. Her conversational tone invites readers to engage in self-reflection and discussion, making the book a valuable resource for those approaching retirement, current retirees, children of aging parents, and various support groups.

Fuller's work has garnered significant praise, with readers describing it as honest, witty, and life-changing. Her previous book, 'In Borrowed Houses,' has also received critical acclaim and several industry awards. Fuller's contributions to the literature on aging provide essential insights and guidance for navigating the complexities of growing old.

For more detailed information and discussion questions related to her books, readers can visit her website at http://www.FrancesFullerAuthor.com. Fuller's latest article and additional resources are also available on her site.