Mental health and old age

I just plan on living in my car if it comes to push and shove. Anything to avoid a state institution .

Growing old with mental illness is a real worry. I think many more people would feel more at peace and experience whatever degree of happiness they can, if they knew they wouldn't have to worry about homelessness or "falling through the cracks" in old age.

I believe in planning whenever possible, but trying not to worry. Here in Canada there are many free services for older people, where care workers or nurses will visit the person's home to help with self care, dietary needs and so on. There are also volunteer services for things like grocery shopping or visits. And finally there are private services for those who can afford them. Many people can remain in their homes unless they become very debilitated mentally or physically.

I think it's a good idea to learn about these things ahead of time in case I ever need them. I'm 52, so maybe when I am 62, or 72.... I hope I never need them!

But in Canada we still have the "interesting" gap when it comes to care homes. Those at the bottom financially get government care homes which are generally better than private here. Those at the top of course can afford the $5,000-per-month luxury retirement villas. Those in the middle.... Well, my mother managed to find a room in an independent-living residence for just over $2,000 per month (which is a real accomplishment as the average rent in that area of the city is about $1800/month) and she gets her room (including bathroom and small kitchen and patio), all meals(!), once weekly cleaning, and some other services. Her pension covers it and leaves her some spending money, and the funds from the sale of her home are in the bank. Of course we would help if she needed it but she is set.

So, it is possible. Remember these prices are Canadian dollars. My mother adores her residence, likes the food, and has made friends with some of her neighbours. The facility does trips for them, arranges transportation to medical appointments, and they have exercise classes and a hairdresser on site.

I hope and pray we all have such good fortune in old age. She's 83 btw

I forgot to add that my mother's is not the least expensive such facility. The same company that runs hers has others in cheaper cities that are a few hundred bucks a month less. 2000 Canadian dollars is currently equal to about $1580 USD. This obviously isn't within everyone's capabilities but I personally was heartened to know there are places at that price range.

Why ending it only option for me.

Beware, this is quite a ramble but I'm going to post it anyway. I'm sorry to hear this for youand I'm In agreement... I'm done with hoping for different improved options being generated from anywhere within this government or society for those of us alone without any strong emotional human connections/community/family. I don't have 'a million dollars' in the bank and I believe there are many living this way. This truth and the acceptance of it appears to be my only choice as far as my future. Living in a car like Astrid refers to as an option is a possibility and I'm not sure I would last very long doing that. I've had the idea over the past few years, for financial and community purpose, to find a group of women to come together and purchase a piece of property and build to suit however that might look. I have no idea how to manifest gathering interested people and making it happen.
I'm in a really low mind state right now so I am not able to access any kind of positive emotional/psychological outlook these days for myself. Enough rambling.

I own 3 acres...dont worry about the rambles that's pretty much how I speak. Hugs, hope your mood starts to lift.

Interesting that nobody has yet commented on my post. Is it that most pensioners cannot afford $1,680 USD per month, even if it includes accommodation and all meals? Are pensions really that low? That is shameful.

I should add that I doubt my own pension will be high enough to afford that amount, but I have had several years off work due to illness, and those years don't count towards Canada Pension.

You made me smile and feel human as well, thank you for that.....maybe we can chat down the road when this mind mood lifts. Hugs back.

So life boils down to economics. If have the funds the we can live better and without anxiety maybe. Secondly having human connections and support helps with getting things done that we cannot do on own because of illness, age etc. That is life really. So if I have neither then I can’t survive and I would rather end it now than die a slow miserable painful death imao.

Live life!!!!! Keep posting. 🤗

Your welcome. Chat me up anytime

Did I say something wrong?

I am so sorry, as I completely understand why you would feel that way. I dont think you said anything wrong at all, personally I was unsure of what to say, so like an ass I said nothing, I'm in the states and have strong views on the government being involved in this type of care, any type of care really,this typically offends others so i avoid it. I didnt mean to make you feel ignored.

Oh, okay thanks.

ok thenthank you

Growing old is one of the hardest thongs a human can experience. You can not work because you are old and the money that the state gives you are not near enough for you to get food and pay your bills. you may also be pressured to go and live in a nursing home by your family or by the government if you have a disability or if you are sick. Another option they could give you is to find someone that does live-in caregive and let that person take care of you. It is really depressing but all of us have to go through it and I hope we do get through it with a smile on our faces.