I am 83 years old: alternatives to nursing homes when it is not possible to live alone.

partial aid cost more than it could sustain. 

In addition, each new person meant starting from scratch: explaining my habits, my tastes, my home. I felt tired, out of control, and increasingly dependent.

The residence: safe, clean… but not free

I agreed to try an assisted living facility. It was correct, orderly, well attended. But everything had a schedule:

• Sleep early
• Eating at five
• Do not leave after a certain time

One night I wanted to walk in the open air. They arrested me.
—Security policy.

I was 83 years