Phantom of the Fox Sparks Elder Care Debate

A recent controversy has sparked widespread debate over caring for the elderly.

Joe Patten, 84, called the Fox theater home for more than 30 years - and until last week, he had a lifetime, rent-free lease to live in his two bedroom apartment.

But theater officials cite Patten's recent health problems as a sign he needs to find other living arrangements.

The question most families want to know is - when is it time to move mom or dad or grandma and grandpa to what's commonly called "the home?"

It can be a tough call, especially when your loved one wants to retain their independence. But experts say there are options.

It's a call no family looks forward to making.

"We get an averaga of 150 calls from people looking for all kinds of services. Services that might help them stay where they are in their own homes of if they need to explore options as to what their other choices might be if they're unable to stay in their own homes any longer," said Karen Bear of Area Agency on Aging

Caring for the elderly was thrust into the spotlight after 84-year Joe Patten, also known as the Phantom of the Fox, was sent a letter by Fox theater officials. In no uncertain terms he was told the he needed to "genuinely move forward in acquiring an assisted living residence as we have been urging, in the spirit of doing what's best for you and the fox theatre."

PATTEN HAS LIVED ON HIS OWN AT THE FOX FOR MORE THAN 30 YEARS.

But what Patten is now dealing with is the same situation many families face everyday.

Phillip Sanders, the CEO of Elder Care Matters, a company that advises families on care options, says his mother-in-law has been wrestling with Alzheimer's disease for 10 years. His 82-year old father-in-law is her only caregiver.

"I don't believe that at least anytime soon, we'll be in a situation where we can persuade her to let someone else other than my father in law provide that care. It's her home, she's lived there for years," said Phillip Sanders, Elder Care Matters CEO

There are services available to ease the transition from total independence to assisted living. Everything from help with bathing or home delivered meals to adult daycare or a senior center. The new lease offered to Patten would allow him to stay in his home until elder services are needed, but according to Patten those services are needed or wanted.

"Phillip Sanders/Elder Care Matters CEO: You'll know when that elder needs that level of care. It's when they need assistance with activities of daily living, eating, bathing, and dressing and getting around or they have incontinence issues and they don't have a family member that can provide it," said Sanders.

Patten has said he will not sign a new lease and will find another place to live.