Assisted Living: Panama City Beach, Florida

On a tour of the grounds to the only Assisted Living facility in Panama City Beach, Florida- the Executive Director stopped the golf cart to assure nervous residents there was a hurricane evacuation plan in place.

He took me into his confidence that he hoped most would be picked up by family members in the event of a weather disaster. They had transportation scheduled to a sister facility and provisions including cots, water and medicine in storage.

As America ages- more nursing homes will be necessary. By the year 2030, the elderly will represent 22% of the United States population.

No longer considered retirement homes- they offer levels of care. For the more active seniors, they can live in independent villas. Free from home maintenance, lawn care, taxes and insurance- equipped with all the amenities of home. They are welcome to join the staff and neighbors living inside the assisted living section of their community for meals and companionship.

There is a nurse on duty around the clock in addition to a physician on call. The cafeteria reminded me of a four star motel restaurant. Transportation is provided to shopping, doctors and outings with friends.

Part of the service they provide is in memory care for seniors experiencing memory loss. Research has proven a small, non-institutional setting increases comfort and confidence for those dementia sufferers.

I found the annual cost actually below the national average in the United States. Insurance for long term care is available and worth looking into now if you don't wish to be dependent in the future. Our local, freshman Representative Patronis, when questioned the practice of investing $750 million from Florida retirement system into foreign companies that deal in Iran's nuclear section, was told- "It's just business."

The girls in the office asked me if I was there to check out the place for my Grandmother. With the planned meals, activities, and housekeeping- I said, "I wished to move in myself."

Help is available for seniors who find themselves in need of assisted living before the sale of their own home is final. A program is offered that allows the deferral of payment until their house is sold.

Several years ago, I sat with my great uncle who had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's. My great aunt needed a well deserved break, having no children of their own, my sisters and I would take turns. Coping with the loss of her husband's former self was at times more than she could bear. Uncle Bill, a most loving and compassionate man, would wander off and need to be coaxed back to safety.

He would often walk up to one of us or his wife of 50+ years and ask if we had seen his wife. Aunt Bee, laughed to hide the pain, explaining that he must was looking for the young bride of his youth.

When he became aggressive and stopped eating, my aunt gave in, heartbroken, and placed him in a senior care center. She told me that day, "The secret ingredient to anything worth lasting is time."