The Way Home: Finding Your Place in the Golden Years 2001
Distributed by Fanlight Productions, 32 Court St., 21st Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11201; 800-876-1710
Produced by Oregon Public Broadcasting
Directed by Jessica Martin
VHS, color, 56 min.
Adult
Aging
Date Entered: 11/09/2018
Reviewed by Marianne Reviewed by Marianne Foley, E.H. Butler Library, State University of New York College at Buffalo, E.H. Butler Library, Buffalo State CollegeTwo of the most important questions that senior citizens ask themselves are “Where do I want to live out my golden years?” and “Who do I want around me?” The Way Home explores various living options available to seniors in Oregon through profiles of people who have answered or are seeking to answer these questions. Although they all share concerns over medical care, treatment options, finances, and transportation, their health and economic situations vary.
The filmmakers visit a skilled facility that provides a continuum of care from independent apartments to assisted living to a nursing home. We also meet two elderly women who live in an adult foster home arrangement, Native Americans who reside in an elder housing development, individuals who live with their adult children, and several seniors who have chosen to remain in their homes with the help of professional in-home caregivers. Overall, the message is to plan early, while one is still enjoying good mental and physical health.
The Way Home is highly recommended for people considering the myriad living options available to senior citizens, whether for themselves or for family members.