"I want to stay in my home as long as I can."  This quote could easily come from many of our parishioners (and others) who contemplate their future.  There aren't manyy people who like the idea of having to go to an assisted living place or a nursing home as their health begins to deteriorate.  Some are able, in spite of their handicaps, to remain in their home because they can afford having caregivers in their home for some, many or all hours of the day and night.  Others think their only option when needing skilled care 24/7, is a nursing home setting.  I am here to tell you there is another option that is comparable in price to a nursing home, but is, in my opinion, a much better solution when one needs full time care.  They are known as "Group Homes" and so far I have witnessed a number of our parishioners and my own uncle (of happy memory) use them and find them a good alternate to a nursing home setting.  These homes are "true" homes that have usually three residents who receive 24/7 care.  They each have their own bedroom and bathroom and they share other rooms in the house (dining room, living room etc).  Whether the person is mobile or not, the caregivers provide the most personal of care and the residents get three "good" meals a day.  They receive consistent care from a few people who become familiar to them (compared with a large variety of different people in a nursing home).  The only challenge to getting in a "Group Home" is availability.  Right now I am aware of at least two places that have openings.  I am willing to share contact information on any of these places with those who are interested at any time.  I pray that more people will take advantage of these alternate living arrangements for those who need this kind of care and can't afford to stay in their own homes anymore.  I thank the Lord for the good care that I have seen provided in these places and hope it can benefit some of our parishioners in the future.