<p>Someone asked how they manage in other countries. I don’t know that, but in Ohio we have a rather large Amish community. Much care is done as part of of their extended family, and within their religious community. Visiting of hospitals is quite a social affair - as they have to hire an ‘english’ with a van to drive them. Amish society is not a utopia, but there are areas where they have us beat hands-down. The isolation that many of us feel is typically not an issue.</p>
<p>My own feeling is the elderly should, if possible, stay in a family situation until it’s just not possible to do so. The stories here of people freezing to death and burning themselves point up safety issues that are beyond the ability of most of us to manage. It is our obligation to do our best, not to do the impossible.</p>