Like most people, you probably want to remain in your home during your later years, or at least as long as possible. But an illness or chronic condition may require you to make adjustments in your lifestyle.

Sometimes, with a little special assistance, you can stay in your own home and postpone or avoid costly nursing home care. The following services may be just what you need to help you maintain your independence.

Home-delivered meals: Nutritious meals may be brought to your home once and sometimes twice a day if you are unable to cook for yourself.

Transportation: If you are unable to transport yourself to the doctor's office, grocery store or other needed service, there are various programs to assist you. Bus or taxi cab companies may offer special services, volunteers may drive you, or specially equipped vans may operate in your area.

Attendant care: Aides may provide in-home care such as bathing, dressing and eating.

Homemaker: Aides may come to your home and assist with light housekeeping duties, which might include meal preparation.

Home health care: Health professionals may come to your home on an intermittent basis. Skilled nursing care, occupational or physical therapy, and assistance in taking medications are among the services offered.

Companion/Sitter: Individuals may come to your home to stay with you. This service is often used to relieve your full-time caretaker for a limited number of hours.

Adult day care: These facilities provide professional supervision in a social setting. Many of the day care centers offer social and recreational programs, nutritious meals and limited medical treatment. If you are unable to stay alone during the day, or if your family works, this option could be beneficial.

Hospice: This offers a comprehensive and coordinated program of services to terminally ill patients and their families in both home and inpatient settings. Physical, psychological, social, and spiritual care are available from a medically directed interdisciplinary team consisting of physician, nurse, home health aide, social worker, pastoral counselor and volunteer. The goal is to decrease pain and discomfort while making life as meaningful as possible for the terminally ill patient.

Services may not be available in all areas of the state. Coordinating the various services and the agencies providing the services can be difficult.

Case management and care planning can assist you and your family in coordinating these services. A resource guide called Explore Your Options is available to assist you. Contact the Jayhawk Area Agency, Home Health Agency or your local SRS office for further information.