Wow! What a wonderful group of women and yes we must band together and share how we survive with style. I have family here. I live in the apartment downstairs that I designed for my father who lived with gusto until 102. Me, I’m planning on 105! I gave my house w/apartment to my son. He and his wonderful wife live upstairs. They both work wild hours and have obligations besides me. I was a whirling dervish till I had a tumor removed from my brain. That slowed me down a bit but then I did a flip out of my wheelchair and broke my thigh bone. So now one leg is shorter than the other making me a walking ‘hop-a-long’ — joke. I am now house bound…so would love to share things I’ve learned, the services I’ve found and enjoying life no matter what. So here goes:
The computer/net is essential. My groceries from the local supermarket is ordered on the net and delivered by Peapod. Peapod and companies like them deliver locally. It costs a few bucks bit it’s worth it. I order my meat/chicken/fish from Omaha Steak. The cost is nominal considering it is delivered to my door, trimmed, packaged and frozen. I might add much better than the antibiotic laced, fat-loaded supermarket fodder. Clothes/shoes/underwear/sheets/towels/office supplies/bedding/furniture/ and whatever else you might need was delivered through the net, microwave too. Oh yes, I even get my coffee delivered to my door. The UPS man and I are good friends. I give hime bottles of water in summer and hot coffee in winter. He knows I leave the door open for his deliveries and he puts them in the kitchen for me. Since I am notified via e-mail when shipment is coming, the door is only opened for a short time. My local library has house-bound services. I request such and such book/video and it’s delivered to my door and picked up when I call in. Presents to my grandkids is just another click away and I can have it delivered to their door. You say you sew and knit? There are many sites to order your fabric, yarn, patterns, again delivered to your door.
I don’t know if your insurance has house-bound services but mine does so I have my toenail trimmed monthly here. The same with X-rays and a nurse practitioner come once a month. All here in the comforts of my apartment. Blood test, too. Nobody told me of these services. I just called up the insurance company and said I was a little old lady that couldn’t get out and could they help me. Well I didn’t lie. I’m only 5’ and I’m 81 years old. What I didn’t tell them was I was only 35 in my head and intended to give ‘em hell if I didn’t get some services. My advice is always ask and if they say “no” ask why. I spend several long days finding a medical group that serviced home-bound patients but it has really paid off. Medicare pays and insurance picks up the balance. Part of me is healthy as a horse until the weather changes, which is too constant, and then I become the old gray mare. I joke that if you were to hang me on the wall, put your finger in my belly button and turn once, I will give you a complete weather report for the following week. As you see, I can’t spell, I runn off at the mouth and have a weird sense of humor. Next week I will run off at the mouth on all the neat tricks instead of medicines I have found. Give ‘em hell, gals!
ElderChicks 
Elissa, One of the things I’ll say I’m grateful for on Thanksgiving is making your acquaintance via ElderChicks. Your energy and resourcefulness definitely reach through cyberspace directly to me. I’m learning a lot from you! Happy Thanksgiving!
Well done Elissa Jung, with your great attitude you should make that 105 with no problem.
Wow. You gave us a great deal of information to keep someone in their own home as one ages. As a retired gerontological nurse practitioner I was happy to hear you have an NP coming into your home once a month. All bases covered. May you have a long and healthy and happy life.
Happy Thanksgiving.
Great reading your blog. Lots of info. You have a great attitude…keep it up
I admire your independence when faced with such mobility and health limits. I agree, enjoy life now!
Thank you so much Elissa. I’ve just decided to write down all the names of foods that I buy- so I don’t forget the product and company names, when and if I need to order on line. I’d be a bit concerned about ordering clothing, since even when I go to the store I have difficulty with sizes.
I might add that for some people, adult day care might serve a purpose. They provide transportation, lunch, and many other services as well as socialization and safety.
And agencies such as Age Wise, and Jewish Family and Children’s Service, will provide care management- although it’s a bit expensive. They will help you find the proper services, help you to move, and they have a bill paying service. Of course, for those who can’t afford it, there are the county Services for Aging.
If you are connected with an agency, you can also use the services of RSVP- Retired Senior Volunteer Program. Through them you can get a friendly visitor, transportation, handyman services, etc. These are all free. I’m presently a friendly visitor for a 91 year old woman who lives 5 minutes from me. When I can’t visit, we have hour long phone conversations.
And again, most communities have a service where someone calls you at a specified time each day to see that you’re alright.
And I guess one of the best services is right here on Elder Chicks. Aside from sharing resources, it’s a wonderful place to find emotional support and ciber-friendships. I know that I have found it. And I have found your responses extremely helpful. I’ll be looking forward to future ones. Thank you again.
Love your attitude and ingenuity …..
To an ingenius aging 81 year old from a “tell it likr it is” little ole 91 year old
What an inspiration you are, Elissa! You are such a rich resource for people who refuse to use their infirmities as an excuse for dropping out of the world. I love that you demand rights and services. We need all the squeaky wheels we can muster to respond to our needs.
Love your humor. We can learn from each other how to deal with being housebound or even laid up for a short time. Essential to stay positive!
Lois, Your role-modeling speaks volumes to younger women as well as your peers. We’re happy that so many can meet you in the pages of The New Senior Woman and learn about how you’re “paying your experience forward” through your book!
Elissa, and all of the above is just a keyboard away! My friend had an unsuccessful knee operation that had her 5’6 on one leg and 5’5″ on the other leg. She solved the problem with the help of a shoe repair shop. You also mentioned you felt like 35, mine is 32. Someone once told me that is the age of our adult spirit that keeps up moving ahead. I tend to believe it. I quit my job last week but my fingers will definitely be working that keyboard! Take care and keep writing as it is a joy to read.