Caregiver

Paul Gregoline lies in bed, awaiting the helper who will get him up, bathed and groomed. He is 92 years old, has Alzheimer’s disease and needs a hand with nearly every task the day brings.

Residents of this facility for people with Alzheimer’s disease toss around a yellow ball and laugh under a cascade with their caregivers, in a swimming pool ringed by palm trees and wind chimes.

About 10 million seniors currently rely on others for daily care, such as help getting dressed, preparing meals or taking medication. That number will only increase as more of the nation’s 78 million baby boomers enter old age.

The drama that is playing out inside this ramshackle house reflects a wider and increasingly urgent dilemma. The world’s population is aging fast.

David Hilfiker knows what’s coming. He was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s so early that he’s had time to tell his family what he wants to happen once forgetfulness turns incapacitating.

Francis Wulf, who moved to Valparaiso from Wisconsin to be near her kids about three years ago, had lived independently until the age of 91.

Too often, older Americans wind up in a nursing home not because they’re super-sick, but because they can’t get through their days safely at home.

It could mean no more having to check up on mom or dad every morning: Motion sensors on the wall and a monitor under the mattress one day might automatically alert you to early signs of trouble well before an elderly loved one gets sick or suffers a fall.

The owners wanted a facility that would have the feel of luxurious hotel-style living, but with a home-like feel.

By Judith Boyko Isolation. Frustration. Solitude. Loneliness. Depression. Sadness. Heartache. Forgetfulness. For many, these are some of the words that come to mind when they...