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I have epilepsy and live on the second floor. My daughter wants me to be safe.

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Thankfully you have someone who has concern over your wellbeing. They can only do so much to help you be safe.

That being said, it is never too early to arrange for a better living situation for yourself before it happens in a crisis and you don't have any say in where you go or when.

If you don't have an assigned PoA you need to take yourself to an elder law attorney (have your daughter go with you). If you don't assign a PoA then social services will eventually refer your case to the courts and a judge will assign a 3rd party legal guardian for you... and it probably won't be your daughter. Don't put yourself -- or her -- in this very stressful (and less optimal) situation. Yes, it will cost some money but it will be the best investment you make at your age.

You should also create an Advance Healthcare Directive and POLST document so that your medical wishes are followed and your PoA won't be second-guessing any decisions they make on your behalf.

If your daughter is concerned that your current living situation is becoming unsafe, please listen to her. The best gift you can give her is to be wise and proactive and interested in your own safety and wellbeing.
Helpful Answer (1)
Reply to Geaton777
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I guess when you feel you need extra care huh? And in the meantime, you can have inexpensive security cameras placed around your home that your daughter can access through her phone to check on you anytime she wants to.
You may also want to invest in a fall alert necklace or watch that will alert your daughter and the authorities if necessary if and when you fall during a seizure.
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Reply to funkygrandma59
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This is a personal decision only you, your daughter and your caregivers can make together. It is difficult to decide when to do these things, but you yourself, your family and your care team know you better than total strangers on a care Forum. I can only suggest that you get together your assets and your options and make what you feel is the best choice for you. For some it is caregivers who come to your home several times a week for a few hours. For others, the need for safety means placement. I wish you the best.
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Reply to AlvaDeer
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For now, I’d hope you have all needed documents such as a will, POA for healthcare and financial decisions, and an advanced directive in place, making sure your daughter knows where these documents are. Also, wear a fall alert device that will contact your daughter if and when you fall, and then contact 911 if needed. Make sure your home is as safe as possible. If you find yourself struggling with activities of daily living such as cooking, bathing, managing medications, laundry, dressing, etc. then it’s time to hire a helper or move to where help is available. Be grateful for your daughter’s care and concern. I wish you the best
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Reply to Daughterof1930
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Levram6411, welcome to the forum. When you get a chance, please fill out your Profile page, that will give us a better understanding of your situation. Such as are you in your 50's or in your 80's? Do you wish for your daughter to be you caregiver, or would you be comfortable with a private caregiver?


You had clicked on Assisted Living. Depending on your budget, you could move into an Independent Living apartment at a senior living facility. Unless you have other physical needs such as someone helping you dress, bathe, cook, etc. then you would probably need Assisted Living. My Dad had moved into senior living when he was in his 90's and he loved being around folks from his own generation :)
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Reply to freqflyer
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Hello Levram!! What I noticed is that you are on the second floor -it's unclear whether you live in a place where you have access to an elevator - but having an elevator (or a seated staircase lift) is essential for your safety. I'm also assuming that your bedroom is upstairs and that you have to go up and down your stairs to get to the living room and kitchen? This is dangerous and also most likely a major hassle for you to do. Please think seriously about moving to a place that has easily accessible elevators. No more stairs!!!
Best of luck to you and wishing you well.
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Reply to LostinPlace
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With epilepsy you never know when a seizure will strike. I will assume you are not allowed to drive. My Grandson had a seizure when he was sleeping. He was on meds but still had seizures at least 1x a month. He was a candidate for surgery so has been seizure free 4 yrs.

Do your medications keep you from having seizures? Not sure why you feel you will need to have care. Because it has to do with the brain, you may suffer from Dementia? You should be seeing a nuerologist and he/she can help you determine when it maybe time to have help. Lots of people live normal lives with Epilepsy. My grandson held down a fulltime job.
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Reply to JoAnn29
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