Assisted Living: What You Need To Know Before You Make A Decision - Will I Be Safe Asks Frances Fuller, Bestselling Author Of Helping Yourself Grow Old

Best-selling author Frances Fuller offers an insider's view of assisted living and a unique outlook on aging, based on her own experience. Her insights are penetrating and deal with issues that many seniors and their families are concerned about.

In the space of just two weeks we have witnessed two major events - the flood in Texas and the fire in an assisted living facility in Massachusetts. This brings us to a very important question for seniors living in or considering moving to an assisted living facility: Will I be safe?

Frances Fuller, author of the bestselling book on aging, 'Helping Yourself Grow Old', addressed this subject in a blog post on her site at https://FrancesFullerAuthor.com. In that post she wrote in part:

Last weeks’ devastating flood in Texas reminded me of something important that I realized we need to talk about here. And then before I could do anything about it. there was the Monday a.m. news that nine people had been killed by fire in an assisted living facility in Massachusetts.

These events force us to think about a reality of old age: our ability to respond to danger is limited. This fact is relevant when we are choosing a place to live.

In a California fire a few years ago a town called Paradise was destroyed and 85 people died. A high percentage of these unfortunate people were elderly.

Books have been written about this tragedy; I have not read the books. I already lived the event, following the news as it unfolded, because at the time, I lived not far from Paradise, in a similar high fire hazard area. I had an emergency bag in the trunk of my car: simple necessities in case of separation from home. My son put the bag there for me, and it had to stay there all year, because when it was packed I was not able to lift it into the trunk.

Following the instructions of my own fire department, I had posted in my little office a list of treasures I would want to grab if leaving in a hurry. These were things of special value to me—practical or emotional. Some of them were my medicines and legal documents, some the original art hanging on my walls. The list gave me comfort that I would not forget something I considered essential.

Gas in the car was also crucial. If a population is fleeing, with cars bumper to bumper on the only road out of the area, the driver who runs out of fuel will create a tragedy for herself and everyone behind her. Consequently, I somewhat obsessively stopped at stations when I needed only two or three gallons to fill my tank.

The Paradise fire started in the early morning. Lots of people were still in bed; their hearing aids were probably on their bedside tables, like mine. By the time old people knew they were in danger, it was too late to escape. The Massachusetts fire happened in the middle of the night.

In any home for the elderly, residents should remember such stories and insist on knowing the plan for protecting them in case of an emergency in their city or in their building. In a particular facility that I happen to know about, the residents recently demanded to know what would happen in case of a fire in their building. The question was certainly reasonable. Every time they got into the elevator they saw a little sign telling them not to use it in case of a fire in the building. But most of them were incapable of using the stairs.

Responsible staff personnel responded to the question. They said they had equipment and an evacuation plan. They would take full responsibility for residents, who should just stay in their rooms. Residents demanded to see the equipment and know the plan.

Truthfully, staying where we are may be the most difficult instruction to follow, because it is counterintuitive.

I notice that for mature adults, as for children, safety has two dimensions: the physical reality that we are safe and the mental confidence that this is true.

In the homes for the elderly that I know about, there are signals in every apartment: a button hanging around a resident’s neck, a cord by the shower or the bed, a smoke alarm in the kitchen. And along with these devices, there should be confidence that if I push the button or pull the cord, help will arrive.

I think it was the flood in Texas that made me think about this. What if we had a hundred elderly people in a building, half of them with walkers or electric wheelchairs, and we got news of a wall of water coming fast?

The full post is available at https://www.inborrowedhouseslebanon.com/will-i-be-safe/.

In 'Helping Yourself Grow Old, Things I Said To Myself When I Was Almost Ninety', Frances provides readers with a closeup view of what it means to age well.

Unable to find a guidebook for aging, Fuller decided that she must figure out for herself how to live wisely through the puzzles and possibilities of aging, and while she learned she wrote. The result is thirty-eight personal essays, most of them resolves, promises she is making to herself and her family. In them she deals with such issues as grief, loneliness, physical limitations, fears, duties, and with the significance of her own life story. Guided always by her Christian faith, she tries to make sense of her own past and to understand her responsibility to younger generations. In the process she shares her daily life, enriched with memories from her fascinating experiences. Her stories and her voice---fresh, honest, irresistible---keep the reader eager for more. Her questions are universal. Her answers create a map through the challenging terrain of old age.

Frances Fuller's book is unique among the many books on aging, because it is personal, while most such books are written from an academic point of view. Most are penned by sociologists, doctors, gerontologists, even the CEO of AARP, and one by a Catholic nun, Joan Chittister. Chittister's book, 'The Gift of Years' is beautifully written, focusing on spiritual values and finding meaning in life. Chittister admits in the preface that she was only 70, which is the front edge of aging, and her book is somewhat abstract.

Atul Gawande’s book, 'On Being Mortal', relates medicine and old age, It enjoys high Amazon rankings, in the category of “the sociology of aging.” It contains a great deal of valuable scientific information and shows understanding of the physical and emotional needs of the elderly.

Frances Fuller’s book, 'Helping Yourself Grow Old, Things I Said To Myself When I Was Almost Ninety', is an up-close and very personal encounter with aging. It is an uncontrived and firsthand look at her own daily experiences: wrestling with physical limitations, grief, loneliness, fears, and the decisions she has made about how to cope with these and keep becoming a better person. She faces regrets and the need to forgive herself and others and is determined to live in a way that blesses her children and grandchildren.

Frances deals with many common, universal but sometimes private issues in an open, conversational tone. Her confessions and decisions invite self-searching and discussion. She tries to make sense of her own past and to understand her responsibility to younger generations. In the process she shares her daily life, enriched with memories from her fascinating experiences. Her stories and her voice — fresh, honest, irresistible — keep the reader eager for more. The end result is a book that helps create a detailed map through the challenging terrain of old age.

The result of this intimate narrative is that readers laugh, cry and identify with her mistakes and problems. Reviewers have called the book, “unique,” “honest,” “witty,” “poignant,” “challenging” and “life-changing.”

For these reasons it is a book unlike any other book on aging you will ever read. The book can serve as a primer on what lies in store for all of us, from someone who is working through many of these issues. While the book is a perfect fit for book clubs, there are many other individuals and groups who could benefit from the information and ideas in the book:

Those approaching retirement
People who are currently retired
Children of aging parents
Those who have lost a spouse
Retirement community discussion groups
Counselors
Educators
Life coaches
Church groups (men and women)

and a host of others. For group discussions, Fuller has made a set of discussion questions available at her website at http://www.FrancesFullerAuthor.com.

Readers have lavished praise on the new book. One Amazon review stated, "I find myself thinking,'I need to read this again and take notes!' It’s full of wisdom, humor, and grace. I also have committed to rereading it annually - it’s that important!" Another said, "There is valuable life experience in this book. Helping Yourself Grow Old is truly is a book for all ages, and one not to be missed." Another stated, "Beautifully written book telling timeless truths, for both the old and the young. Highly recommend this book for anyone who loves to laugh, cry, and learn wisdom from someone who has lived so much life."

Frances' prior work, 'In Borrowed Houses', has taken three industry awards and has achieved Bestseller status. Frances Fuller was the Grand Prize winner in the 2015 '50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading' Book Awards. It received the bronze medal for memoir in the Illumination Book Awards in 2014. Northern California Publishers and Authors annually gives awards for literature produced by residents of the area. In 2015 'In Borrowed Houses' received two prizes: Best Non-fiction and Best Cover.

Critics have also praised ‘In Borrowed Houses.’ A judge in the 22nd Annual Writer’s Digest Self-Published Book Awards called 'In Borrowed Houses' “ . . a well written book full of compassion . . . a captivating story . . . ”. Another reviewer described the book as “Wise, honest, sensitive, funny, heart-wrenching . . .”. Colin Chapman, lecturer in Islamic Studies at the Near East School of Theology in Beirut said, “ . . . western Christians and Middle Eastern Christians need to read this story…full of remarkable perceptiveness and genuine hope.”

Frances has shared stories about her life in an interview with Women Over 70, and a recording is available on their Facebook page.

Frances Fuller is available for media interviews and can be reached using the information below or by email at frances0516@att.net. The full text of her latest article is available at her website. Fuller's book is available at Amazon and other book retailers. A free ebook sample from 'In Borrowed Houses' is available at http://www.payhip.com/francesfuller. Frances Fuller also blogs on other issues relating to the Middle East on her website at http://www.inborrowedhouseslebanon.com.

About Frances Fuller:

Frances Fuller spent thirty years in the violent Middle East and for twenty-four of those years was the director of a Christian publishing program with offices in Lebanon. While leading the development of spiritual books in the Arabic language, she survived long years of civil war and invasions.

Contact:

Frances Fuller
frances0516@att.net
http://www.francesfullerauthor.com 

Leia Mais…

Assisted Living: What You Need To Know Before You Make A Decision - When Should We Stop Driving Asks Frances Fuller, Bestselling Author Of Helping Yourself Grow Old

Best-selling author Frances Fuller offers an insider's view of assisted living and a unique outlook on aging, based on her own experience. Her insights are penetrating and deal with issues that many seniors and their families are concerned about..

At what point should seniors make the decision to stop driving? That is a difficult question indeed.

As we age, our vision and hearing can become impaired, as can our cognitive function. Our reflexes can slow down. All of these can impact our ability to drive safely.

While we can say "better safe than sorry," the decision to give up that license to drive represents much more, as it is a loss of freedom and mobility. It is not an easy decision.

Frances Fuller, author of the bestselling book on aging, 'Helping Yourself Grow Old', addressed this subject in a blog post on her site at https://FrancesFullerAuthor.com. In that post she wrote in part:

I brought my car here to the elder care home five years ago. Even then, it was a hard decision, and I first said no, but my grandson wanted to drive it here from California. He insisted on doing that.

“For you,” he said. “You know you will want your car.”

And it was true that leaving the car behind was going to be hard. (My husband and I got that car with a big red ribbon on top and a note from our kids.) And, like everybody, I can get attached to things I like.

I admit it has also been a bit of a bother lately. I had to think about its small needs, and sometimes I didn’t. The government insisted on registrations, inspections, new tags. I paid for these things, then friends took me to church, the elder home’s bus took me to the grocery on Fridays. And my car sat lonely in the parking lot while both of us got older.

In the spring I liked taking it for a drive. The streets here are lined with blossoming trees: white, lavender, pink, red. By turn. Every week or two something new.

When you need wheels, you need them now. I was happy then to have them.

But I hate gas stations. And those pumps know and hate me back. The machines don’t like my card. The pumps are heavy and dirty and make me leave smelling like gas. Maybe I just never outgrew my southern expectation that some gentleman would do this for me.

But then other times, even those cold days when I wished the heater worked a little more quickly, it was good to be able to jump in and go. I had prescriptions at the pharmacy. I had an appointment to get my hearing aids cleaned. The colors of autumn had arrived on the mountains.

When you need a car, you need it now.

Well, we do have a transportation system here. And I have friends. I could ask and schedule help. But for other people I have to think ahead, and I am independent. I like doing things for myself, even by myself.

There are dangers to think of, so I did make myself some rules to live by. I would not drive in the rain. I would not drive when there might be patches of ice. I would not drive in the dark.

And then, because of a particularly trying and tiring experience, I decided to drive only if I knew where I was going. I would not look at my phone or a list of directions while driving. Nor would I listen to an unfamiliar voice, telling me where to turn. And part of avoiding distractions required that I not take passengers with me.

But then came the problem I had not thought of.

The full post is available at https://www.inborrowedhouseslebanon.com/helping-yourself-grow-old-another-chapter.

In 'Helping Yourself Grow Old, Things I Said To Myself When I Was Almost Ninety', Frances provides readers with a closeup view of what it means to age well.

Unable to find a guidebook for aging, Fuller decided that she must figure out for herself how to live wisely through the puzzles and possibilities of aging, and while she learned she wrote. The result is thirty-eight personal essays, most of them resolves, promises she is making to herself and her family. In them she deals with such issues as grief, loneliness, physical limitations, fears, duties, and with the significance of her own life story. Guided always by her Christian faith, she tries to make sense of her own past and to understand her responsibility to younger generations. In the process she shares her daily life, enriched with memories from her fascinating experiences. Her stories and her voice---fresh, honest, irresistible---keep the reader eager for more. Her questions are universal. Her answers create a map through the challenging terrain of old age.

Frances Fuller's book is unique among the many books on aging, because it is personal, while most such books are written from an academic point of view. Most are penned by sociologists, doctors, gerontologists, even the CEO of AARP, and one by a Catholic nun, Joan Chittister. Chittister's book, 'The Gift of Years' is beautifully written, focusing on spiritual values and finding meaning in life. Chittister admits in the preface that she was only 70, which is the front edge of aging, and her book is somewhat abstract.

Atul Gawande’s book, 'On Being Mortal', relates medicine and old age, It enjoys high Amazon rankings, in the category of “the sociology of aging.” It contains a great deal of valuable scientific information and shows understanding of the physical and emotional needs of the elderly.

Frances Fuller’s book, 'Helping Yourself Grow Old, Things I Said To Myself When I Was Almost Ninety', is an up-close and very personal encounter with aging. It is an uncontrived and firsthand look at her own daily experiences: wrestling with physical limitations, grief, loneliness, fears, and the decisions she has made about how to cope with these and keep becoming a better person. She faces regrets and the need to forgive herself and others and is determined to live in a way that blesses her children and grandchildren.

Frances deals with many common, universal but sometimes private issues in an open, conversational tone. Her confessions and decisions invite self-searching and discussion. She tries to make sense of her own past and to understand her responsibility to younger generations. In the process she shares her daily life, enriched with memories from her fascinating experiences. Her stories and her voice — fresh, honest, irresistible — keep the reader eager for more. The end result is a book that helps create a detailed map through the challenging terrain of old age.

The result of this intimate narrative is that readers laugh, cry and identify with her mistakes and problems. Reviewers have called the book, “unique,” “honest,” “witty,” “poignant,” “challenging” and “life-changing.”

For these reasons it is a book unlike any other book on aging you will ever read. The book can serve as a primer on what lies in store for all of us, from someone who is working through many of these issues. While the book is a perfect fit for book clubs, there are many other individuals and groups who could benefit from the information and ideas in the book:

Those approaching retirement
People who are currently retired
Children of aging parents
Those who have lost a spouse
Retirement community discussion groups
Counselors
Educators
Life coaches
Church groups (men and women)

and a host of others. For group discussions, Fuller has made a set of discussion questions available at her website at http://www.FrancesFullerAuthor.com.

Readers have lavished praise on the new book. One Amazon review stated, "I find myself thinking,'I need to read this again and take notes!' It’s full of wisdom, humor, and grace. I also have committed to rereading it annually - it’s that important!" Another said, "There is valuable life experience in this book. Helping Yourself Grow Old is truly is a book for all ages, and one not to be missed." Another stated, "Beautifully written book telling timeless truths, for both the old and the young. Highly recommend this book for anyone who loves to laugh, cry, and learn wisdom from someone who has lived so much life."

Frances' prior work, 'In Borrowed Houses', has taken three industry awards and has achieved Bestseller status. Frances Fuller was the Grand Prize winner in the 2015 '50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading' Book Awards. It received the bronze medal for memoir in the Illumination Book Awards in 2014. Northern California Publishers and Authors annually gives awards for literature produced by residents of the area. In 2015 'In Borrowed Houses' received two prizes: Best Non-fiction and Best Cover.

Critics have also praised ‘In Borrowed Houses.’ A judge in the 22nd Annual Writer’s Digest Self-Published Book Awards called 'In Borrowed Houses' “ . . a well written book full of compassion . . . a captivating story . . . ”. Another reviewer described the book as “Wise, honest, sensitive, funny, heart-wrenching . . .”. Colin Chapman, lecturer in Islamic Studies at the Near East School of Theology in Beirut said, “ . . . western Christians and Middle Eastern Christians need to read this story…full of remarkable perceptiveness and genuine hope.”

Frances has shared stories about her life in an interview with Women Over 70, and a recording is available on their Facebook page.

Frances Fuller is available for media interviews and can be reached using the information below or by email at frances0516@att.net. The full text of her latest article is available at her website. Fuller's book is available at Amazon and other book retailers. A free ebook sample from 'In Borrowed Houses' is available at http://www.payhip.com/francesfuller. Frances Fuller also blogs on other issues relating to the Middle East on her website at http://www.inborrowedhouseslebanon.com.

About Frances Fuller:

Frances Fuller spent thirty years in the violent Middle East and for twenty-four of those years was the director of a Christian publishing program with offices in Lebanon. While leading the development of spiritual books in the Arabic language, she survived long years of civil war and invasions.

Contact:

Frances Fuller
frances0516@att.net
http://www.francesfullerauthor.com

 

Leia Mais…

Assisted Living: What You Need To Know Before You Make A Decision - Bestselling Author Frances Fuller Addresses Politics In An Elder Care Community

Best-selling author Frances Fuller offers an insider's view of assisted living and a unique outlook on aging, based on her own experience. Her insights are penetrating and deal with issues that many seniors and their families are concerned about.

We might not believe it, but a move to an assisted living facility is not an end or a form of withdrawal. Most people in assisted living facilities remain deeply engaged with the world around them, driven by a sense of personal responsibility and a passion for their beliefs and causes. Their opinions, and concerns, now matured and tempered by decades of experience, bring a unique perspective to the table. While they might be retired from their jobs or careers, they are in no way retired from civic life.

Frances Fuller, author of the bestselling book on aging, 'Helping Yourself Grow Old', addressed this subject in a blog post on her site at https://FrancesFullerAuthor.com. In that post she wrote in part:

Jack rides his bike for exercise, as well as to the P.O. for some stamps and to the polling station on election day.

Mary is sad about the state of the world and fears she will not live to see it get better.

Lori still drives her car, still wears her politics on her lapel and goes to rallies.

Julie has spent many hours writing cards, reminding people to vote.

Dot feels the need to talk about the country’s issues, but she is afraid of offending someone. This makes her feel lonely.

Susan and her husband Zeb have organized a discussion group, involving like-minded people. They know that Dot is not the only one.

Al walks with the aid of his rollator and voted the way he has always voted, still convinced it is right.

Roberta is upset, because she thinks she voted wrong.

Ted can explain any mess and tell you in advance how it will all turn out.

But Ted doesn’t have a clue that Kathy cries because her family is divided and she is caught in the middle.

Most people avoid such subjects at the dinner table, limiting complaints to the temperature of their soup.

All of these people live in one elder care home. They are not unusual; they are just typical old people. They have gray hair and limps and bent backs. They also have strong opinions and a sense of personal responsibility. What we can learn from them is that elderly Americans have not retired from caring about their country and their world, or their beliefs and causes.

The institutions where they live are normally neutral. There are no political speeches, no banners or promotions. But the residents are free. They can still be devoted to causes, opinionated and involved. And they are all kinds of people, all backgrounds, all concerns, all political persuasions.

The full post is available at https://www.inborrowedhouseslebanon.com/politics-in-the-elder-care-community/.

In 'Helping Yourself Grow Old, Things I Said To Myself When I Was Almost Ninety', Frances provides readers with a closeup view of what it means to age well.

Unable to find a guidebook for aging, Fuller decided that she must figure out for herself how to live wisely through the puzzles and possibilities of aging, and while she learned she wrote. The result is thirty-eight personal essays, most of them resolves, promises she is making to herself and her family. In them she deals with such issues as grief, loneliness, physical limitations, fears, duties, and with the significance of her own life story. Guided always by her Christian faith, she tries to make sense of her own past and to understand her responsibility to younger generations. In the process she shares her daily life, enriched with memories from her fascinating experiences. Her stories and her voice---fresh, honest, irresistible---keep the reader eager for more. Her questions are universal. Her answers create a map through the challenging terrain of old age.

Frances Fuller's book is unique among the many books on aging, because it is personal, while most such books are written from an academic point of view. Most are penned by sociologists, doctors, gerontologists, even the CEO of AARP, and one by a Catholic nun, Joan Chittister. Chittister's book, 'The Gift of Years' is beautifully written, focusing on spiritual values and finding meaning in life. Chittister admits in the preface that she was only 70, which is the front edge of aging, and her book is somewhat abstract.

Atul Gawande’s book, 'On Being Mortal', relates medicine and old age, It enjoys high Amazon rankings, in the category of “the sociology of aging.” It contains a great deal of valuable scientific information and shows understanding of the physical and emotional needs of the elderly.

Frances Fuller’s book, 'Helping Yourself Grow Old, Things I Said To Myself When I Was Almost Ninety', is an up-close and very personal encounter with aging. It is an uncontrived and firsthand look at her own daily experiences: wrestling with physical limitations, grief, loneliness, fears, and the decisions she has made about how to cope with these and keep becoming a better person. She faces regrets and the need to forgive herself and others and is determined to live in a way that blesses her children and grandchildren.

Frances deals with many common, universal but sometimes private issues in an open, conversational tone. Her confessions and decisions invite self-searching and discussion. She tries to make sense of her own past and to understand her responsibility to younger generations. In the process she shares her daily life, enriched with memories from her fascinating experiences. Her stories and her voice — fresh, honest, irresistible — keep the reader eager for more. The end result is a book that helps create a detailed map through the challenging terrain of old age.

The result of this intimate narrative is that readers laugh, cry and identify with her mistakes and problems. Reviewers have called the book, “unique,” “honest,” “witty,” “poignant,” “challenging” and “life-changing.”

For these reasons it is a book unlike any other book on aging you will ever read. The book can serve as a primer on what lies in store for all of us, from someone who is working through many of these issues. While the book is a perfect fit for book clubs, there are many other individuals and groups who could benefit from the information and ideas in the book:

Those approaching retirement
People who are currently retired
Children of aging parents
Those who have lost a spouse
Retirement community discussion groups
Counselors
Educators
Life coaches
Church groups (men and women)

and a host of others. For group discussions, Fuller has made a set of discussion questions available at her website at http://www.FrancesFullerAuthor.com.

Readers have lavished praise on the new book. One Amazon review stated, "I find myself thinking,'I need to read this again and take notes!' It’s full of wisdom, humor, and grace. I also have committed to rereading it annually - it’s that important!" Another said, "There is valuable life experience in this book. Helping Yourself Grow Old is truly is a book for all ages, and one not to be missed." Another stated, "Beautifully written book telling timeless truths, for both the old and the young. Highly recommend this book for anyone who loves to laugh, cry, and learn wisdom from someone who has lived so much life."

Frances' prior work, 'In Borrowed Houses', has taken three industry awards and has achieved Bestseller status. Frances Fuller was the Grand Prize winner in the 2015 '50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading' Book Awards. It received the bronze medal for memoir in the Illumination Book Awards in 2014. Northern California Publishers and Authors annually gives awards for literature produced by residents of the area. In 2015 'In Borrowed Houses' received two prizes: Best Non-fiction and Best Cover.

Critics have also praised ‘In Borrowed Houses.’ A judge in the 22nd Annual Writer’s Digest Self-Published Book Awards called 'In Borrowed Houses' “ . . a well written book full of compassion . . . a captivating story . . . ”. Another reviewer described the book as “Wise, honest, sensitive, funny, heart-wrenching . . .”. Colin Chapman, lecturer in Islamic Studies at the Near East School of Theology in Beirut said, “ . . . western Christians and Middle Eastern Christians need to read this story…full of remarkable perceptiveness and genuine hope.”

Frances has shared stories about her life in an interview with Women Over 70, and a recording is available on their Facebook page.

Frances Fuller is available for media interviews and can be reached using the information below or by email at frances0516@att.net. The full text of her latest article is available at her website. Fuller's book is available at Amazon and other book retailers. A free ebook sample from 'In Borrowed Houses' is available at http://www.payhip.com/francesfuller. Frances Fuller also blogs on other issues relating to the Middle East on her website at http://www.inborrowedhouseslebanon.com.

About Frances Fuller:

Frances Fuller spent thirty years in the violent Middle East and for twenty-four of those years was the director of a Christian publishing program with offices in Lebanon. While leading the development of spiritual books in the Arabic language, she survived long years of civil war and invasions.

Contact:

Frances Fuller
frances0516@att.net
http://www.francesfullerauthor.com

Leia Mais…

Assisted Living: What You Need To Know Before You Make A Decision - How Much Storage Space Will I Have Is An Important Question Says Frances Fuller, Author Of Bestselling Book On Aging, 'Helping Yourself Grow Old'

Best-selling author Frances Fuller offers an insider's view of assisted living and a unique outlook on aging, based on her own experience. Her insights are penetrating and deal with issues that many seniors and their families are concerned about.

Making the right decisions when deciding on assisted living requires one to consider a huge number of factors - location, essential services available, dining options, recreational facilities, healthcare services - the list seems endless and all of them are important. One question that might not come immediately to mind is "Will there be enough storage?" It's one of the issues that can seem to be relatively unimportant - until you get there.

Frances Fuller, author of the best-selling book on aging, 'Helping Yourself Grow Old," recently published a blog post titled, "How Much Storage Space Will I Have", in which she addressed this important consideration. In that post she stated in part:

Some questions sound a little trivial but turn out to be very significant. This is one of those.
It is not nice to arrive at your new home and discover there is no space for your favorite chair or your printer. And with such a small closet, what will you do with your out-of-season clothes?

One person realized too late that her closet was enough for her summer clothes, but what about her sweaters and coats and flannel sheets?  She was told that there were storage units one could purchase, a mile or so down the road. Since she had no car and had not counted on this extra expense, that did not sound like a happy solution.  And she had not even yet remembered her manger scene and Christmas tree decorations. Neither had she discovered that her bookshelf was three inches too long for the wall where she needed to put it.

Her predicament illustrates the importance of a measuring tape in your pocket when you are choosing an apartment (rooms look bigger when they are empty) and asking all the petty questions when you are choosing a retirement home. You are trying to choose a place to spend the rest of your life. Regretting your choice will be worse than inconvenient.   If you have a choice, be sure to ask: the relationship between the size of the rooms and the monthly cost of living here, as well as the existence of extra storage.

Most high-end retirement homes have cubicles, one per apartment, for possessions needed or valuable to the owner but not in use at the moment. This cubicle should be accessible and locked, with a key in your possession. Your heavy coats can be there in a bin all summer, along with things like blankets and your little artificial Christmas tree. This doesn’t, however, take the place of an adequate closet. There are homes in which a reasonably priced apartment includes a clothes closet, a pantry for kitchen items, and cupboards in the bathroom for towels, toiletries and items you use at the sink. (Don’t forget to think about a convenient place for extra toilet paper.) And, if you are really lucky, you may get a coat closet near the door.   

The full post is available at https://www.inborrowedhouseslebanon.com/will-i-have-enough-storage-space/.

In 'Helping Yourself Grow Old, Things I Said To Myself When I Was Almost Ninety', Frances provides readers with a closeup view of what it means to age well.

Unable to find a guidebook for aging, Fuller decided that she must figure out for herself how to live wisely through the puzzles and possibilities of aging, and while she learned she wrote. The result is thirty-eight personal essays, most of them resolves, promises she is making to herself and her family. In them she deals with such issues as grief, loneliness, physical limitations, fears, duties, and with the significance of her own life story. Guided always by her Christian faith, she tries to make sense of her own past and to understand her responsibility to younger generations. In the process she shares her daily life, enriched with memories from her fascinating experiences. Her stories and her voice---fresh, honest, irresistible---keep the reader eager for more. Her questions are universal. Her answers create a map through the challenging terrain of old age.

Frances Fuller's book is unique among the many books on aging, because it is personal, while most such books are written from an academic point of view. Most are penned by sociologists, doctors, gerontologists, even the CEO of AARP, and one by a Catholic nun, Joan Chittister. Chittister's book, 'The Gift of Years' is beautifully written, focusing on spiritual values and finding meaning in life. Chittister admits in the preface that she was only 70, which is the front edge of aging, and her book is somewhat abstract.

Atul Gawande’s book, 'On Being Mortal', relates medicine and old age, It enjoys high Amazon rankings, in the category of “the sociology of aging.” It contains a great deal of valuable scientific information and shows understanding of the physical and emotional needs of the elderly.

Frances Fuller’s book, 'Helping Yourself Grow Old, Things I Said To Myself When I Was Almost Ninety', is an up-close and very personal encounter with aging. It is an uncontrived and firsthand look at her own daily experiences: wrestling with physical limitations, grief, loneliness, fears, and the decisions she has made about how to cope with these and keep becoming a better person. She faces regrets and the need to forgive herself and others and is determined to live in a way that blesses her children and grandchildren.

Frances deals with many common, universal but sometimes private issues in an open, conversational tone. Her confessions and decisions invite self-searching and discussion. She tries to make sense of her own past and to understand her responsibility to younger generations. In the process she shares her daily life, enriched with memories from her fascinating experiences. Her stories and her voice — fresh, honest, irresistible — keep the reader eager for more. The end result is a book that helps create a detailed map through the challenging terrain of old age.

The result of this intimate narrative is that readers laugh, cry and identify with her mistakes and problems. Reviewers have called the book, “unique,” “honest,” “witty,” “poignant,” “challenging” and “life-changing.”

For these reasons it is a book unlike any other book on aging you will ever read. The book can serve as a primer on what lies in store for all of us, from someone who is working through many of these issues. While the book is a perfect fit for book clubs, there are many other individuals and groups who could benefit from the information and ideas in the book:

Those approaching retirement
People who are currently retired
Children of aging parents
Those who have lost a spouse
Retirement community discussion groups
Counselors
Educators
Life coaches
Church groups (men and women)

and a host of others. For group discussions, Fuller has made a set of discussion questions available at her website at http://www.FrancesFullerAuthor.com.

Readers have lavished praise on the new book. One Amazon review stated, "I find myself thinking,'I need to read this again and take notes!' It’s full of wisdom, humor, and grace. I also have committed to rereading it annually - it’s that important!" Another said, "There is valuable life experience in this book. Helping Yourself Grow Old is truly is a book for all ages, and one not to be missed." Another stated, "Beautifully written book telling timeless truths, for both the old and the young. Highly recommend this book for anyone who loves to laugh, cry, and learn wisdom from someone who has lived so much life."

Frances' prior work, 'In Borrowed Houses', has taken three industry awards and has achieved Bestseller status. Frances Fuller was the Grand Prize winner in the 2015 '50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading' Book Awards. It received the bronze medal for memoir in the Illumination Book Awards in 2014. Northern California Publishers and Authors annually gives awards for literature produced by residents of the area. In 2015 'In Borrowed Houses' received two prizes: Best Non-fiction and Best Cover.

Critics have also praised ‘In Borrowed Houses.’ A judge in the 22nd Annual Writer’s Digest Self-Published Book Awards called 'In Borrowed Houses' “ . . a well written book full of compassion . . . a captivating story . . . ”. Another reviewer described the book as “Wise, honest, sensitive, funny, heart-wrenching . . .”. Colin Chapman, lecturer in Islamic Studies at the Near East School of Theology in Beirut said, “ . . . western Christians and Middle Eastern Christians need to read this story…full of remarkable perceptiveness and genuine hope.”

Frances has shared stories about her life in an interview with Women Over 70, and a recording is available on their Facebook page.

Frances Fuller is available for media interviews and can be reached using the information below or by email at frances0516@att.net. The full text of her latest article is available at her website. Fuller's book is available at Amazon and other book retailers. A free ebook sample from 'In Borrowed Houses' is available at http://www.payhip.com/francesfuller. Frances Fuller also blogs on other issues relating to the Middle East on her website at http://www.inborrowedhouseslebanon.com.

About Frances Fuller:

Frances Fuller spent thirty years in the violent Middle East and for twenty-four of those years was the director of a Christian publishing program with offices in Lebanon. While leading the development of spiritual books in the Arabic language, she survived long years of civil war and invasions.

Contact:

Frances Fuller
frances0516@att.net
http://www.francesfullerauthor.com

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Assisted Living: What You Need To Know Before You Make A Decision - Is There Memory Care Is A Vital Question Says Frances Fuller, Author Of Bestselling Book On Aging, 'Helping Yourself Grow Old'

Best-selling author Frances Fuller offers an insider's view of assisted living and a unique outlook on aging, based on her own experience. Her insights are penetrating and deal with issues that many seniors and their families are concerned about.

Many of us worry about losing our mental faculties as we age. Mild forgetfulness—such as occasionally misplacing items or needing more time to recall names—is common and typically reflects normal aging rather than cognitive decline. Dementia is another subject altogether. That said, if we do make the decision to enter an assisted living facility, it is important that memory care resources are available, if needed.

Frances Fuller, author of the best-selling book on aging, 'Helping Yourself Grow Old," recently published a blog post titled, "A Question to Ask: Is There Memory Care?" in which she addressed this important consideration. In that post she stated in part:

A home for the aging is not complete without a Memory Care ward, though we all hope never to need it. And the happy news is that most of us will not need it. We don’t belong there just because we are forgetful.

Forgetfulness is normal. We walk into a room and think, “Why did I come in here? I was trying to pay a bill. Oh, yes, I need my checkbook.” In the midst of a stressful moment, someone asks for your phone number, and you stumble, mix it up with your social security number or another number you frequently call. Though we are annoyed, we laugh at ourselves and go on. We are not candidates for Memory Care.

But not all mental failures are natural and acceptable.

A woman who impressed me as highly intelligent and capable was missing one day from the elder home in which she lived. An administrator called the police who found her more than a mile away. She had an explanation, totally logical to anyone who did not know her. The police returned her to the home, and the next time this happened, her family admitted that she had to be in Memory Care, which is a locked ward.

There are numerous types of memory loss, each originating in a specific part of the brain. Alzheimer’s is a disease. It is not part of the normal process of aging. Likewise some other forms of dementia are serious illnesses.

Experts in this field know from a patient’s behavior which part of the brain is affected. A qualified memory department must be staffed with such trained people who understand and can identify the specific problem of each patient. This enables them to react in helpful ways to issues that arise and enable each patient to function to their fullest ability. And to be safe. This is crucial to those who love them.

As with other illness, quality of life varies according to the severity of problems.

In Memory Care departments group activities are important. Most of the residents are unable to focus on a lecture of any kind, so a presentation should involve familiar objects or sounds. I discovered when visiting our memory ward that the residents responded with great interest to my stuffed animals. They wanted to hold them, rub their fur, talk to them. Probably these objects brought back youthful experiences, made patients feel more alive. In fact, one permanent area of the ward features materials to touch: rough materials, smooth stones, movable things like zippers. Residents seem to crave tactile experiences and become more alert in response.

Music is the most popular activity of all and apparently the most therapeutic. The mood in a roomful of patients changes, just because someone sits down at the piano and touches the keys. At the sound of a familiar song residents become more alert and happy.

The full post is available at https://www.inborrowedhouseslebanon.com/a-question-to-ask-is-there-memory-care/.

In 'Helping Yourself Grow Old, Things I Said To Myself When I Was Almost Ninety', Frances provides readers with a closeup view of what it means to age well.

Unable to find a guidebook for aging, Fuller decided that she must figure out for herself how to live wisely through the puzzles and possibilities of aging, and while she learned she wrote. The result is thirty-eight personal essays, most of them resolves, promises she is making to herself and her family. In them she deals with such issues as grief, loneliness, physical limitations, fears, duties, and with the significance of her own life story. Guided always by her Christian faith, she tries to make sense of her own past and to understand her responsibility to younger generations. In the process she shares her daily life, enriched with memories from her fascinating experiences. Her stories and her voice---fresh, honest, irresistible---keep the reader eager for more. Her questions are universal. Her answers create a map through the challenging terrain of old age.

Frances Fuller's book is unique among the many books on aging, because it is personal, while most such books are written from an academic point of view. Most are penned by sociologists, doctors, gerontologists, even the CEO of AARP, and one by a Catholic nun, Joan Chittister. Chittister's book, 'The Gift of Years' is beautifully written, focusing on spiritual values and finding meaning in life. Chittister admits in the preface that she was only 70, which is the front edge of aging, and her book is somewhat abstract.

Atul Gawande’s book, 'On Being Mortal', relates medicine and old age, It enjoys high Amazon rankings, in the category of “the sociology of aging.” It contains a great deal of valuable scientific information and shows understanding of the physical and emotional needs of the elderly.

Frances Fuller’s book, 'Helping Yourself Grow Old, Things I Said To Myself When I Was Almost Ninety', is an up-close and very personal encounter with aging. It is an uncontrived and firsthand look at her own daily experiences: wrestling with physical limitations, grief, loneliness, fears, and the decisions she has made about how to cope with these and keep becoming a better person. She faces regrets and the need to forgive herself and others and is determined to live in a way that blesses her children and grandchildren.

Frances deals with many common, universal but sometimes private issues in an open, conversational tone. Her confessions and decisions invite self-searching and discussion. She tries to make sense of her own past and to understand her responsibility to younger generations. In the process she shares her daily life, enriched with memories from her fascinating experiences. Her stories and her voice — fresh, honest, irresistible — keep the reader eager for more. The end result is a book that helps create a detailed map through the challenging terrain of old age.

The result of this intimate narrative is that readers laugh, cry and identify with her mistakes and problems. Reviewers have called the book, “unique,” “honest,” “witty,” “poignant,” “challenging” and “life-changing.”

For these reasons it is a book unlike any other book on aging you will ever read. The book can serve as a primer on what lies in store for all of us, from someone who is working through many of these issues. While the book is a perfect fit for book clubs, there are many other individuals and groups who could benefit from the information and ideas in the book:

Those approaching retirement
People who are currently retired
Children of aging parents
Those who have lost a spouse
Retirement community discussion groups
Counselors
Educators
Life coaches
Church groups (men and women)

and a host of others. For group discussions, Fuller has made a set of discussion questions available at her website at http://www.FrancesFullerAuthor.com.

Readers have lavished praise on the new book. One Amazon review stated, "I find myself thinking,'I need to read this again and take notes!' It’s full of wisdom, humor, and grace. I also have committed to rereading it annually - it’s that important!" Another said, "There is valuable life experience in this book. Helping Yourself Grow Old is truly is a book for all ages, and one not to be missed." Another stated, "Beautifully written book telling timeless truths, for both the old and the young. Highly recommend this book for anyone who loves to laugh, cry, and learn wisdom from someone who has lived so much life."

Frances' prior work, 'In Borrowed Houses', has taken three industry awards and has achieved Bestseller status. Frances Fuller was the Grand Prize winner in the 2015 '50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading' Book Awards. It received the bronze medal for memoir in the Illumination Book Awards in 2014. Northern California Publishers and Authors annually gives awards for literature produced by residents of the area. In 2015 'In Borrowed Houses' received two prizes: Best Non-fiction and Best Cover.

Critics have also praised ‘In Borrowed Houses.’ A judge in the 22nd Annual Writer’s Digest Self-Published Book Awards called 'In Borrowed Houses' “ . . a well written book full of compassion . . . a captivating story . . . ”. Another reviewer described the book as “Wise, honest, sensitive, funny, heart-wrenching . . .”. Colin Chapman, lecturer in Islamic Studies at the Near East School of Theology in Beirut said, “ . . . western Christians and Middle Eastern Christians need to read this story…full of remarkable perceptiveness and genuine hope.”

Frances has shared stories about her life in an interview with Women Over 70, and a recording is available on their Facebook page.

Frances Fuller is available for media interviews and can be reached using the information below or by email at frances0516@att.net. The full text of her latest article is available at her website. Fuller's book is available at Amazon and other book retailers. A free ebook sample from 'In Borrowed Houses' is available at http://www.payhip.com/francesfuller. Frances Fuller also blogs on other issues relating to the Middle East on her website at http://www.inborrowedhouseslebanon.com.

About Frances Fuller:

Frances Fuller spent thirty years in the violent Middle East and for twenty-four of those years was the director of a Christian publishing program with offices in Lebanon. While leading the development of spiritual books in the Arabic language, she survived long years of civil war and invasions.

Contact:

Frances Fuller
frances0516@att.net
http://www.francesfullerauthor.com

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