There’s no place like home, said Dorothy in the classic movie, The Wizard of Oz. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if our elderly loved ones could stay in their beloved family home for their entire natural lifetime? It’s an understandable wish for adult children of aging parents, but unfortunately it’s sometimes not possible. Maybe you’ve noticed that dad is having a harder time keeping up with the maintenance demands of his home, or maybe mom doesn’t look as clean and well-groomed as she used to, and her refrigerator is full of moldy food. These, and other signs of aging, are triggers for you to embark on a very important and loving task – finding out what senior care options exist for your loved one so you make the best possible choice.
But how do you know what that “best” choice is, and how do you find it? Here are a few key pointers to keep in mind as you begin your search for senior care options providers.
Learn about available senior care options
Today, many excellent forms of senior care exist. They are typically divided into two groups – home care and community care. Senior home care offers the opportunity for your loved one to stay in his or her home, and be tended to by aides who visit on a schedule that you set. The type of assistance and cost depend on whether mom needs medical care or just help with the everyday tasks of living, such as grocery shopping, transportation or meal preparation. The other common type of home care is known as adult day care. This type of care provides supervision and social activities in a daytime structured environment.
Senior care communities include independent living, assisted living, memory care, or skilled nursing. Independent residences are for seniors with minimal health issues who need little to no help with daily tasks. Assisted living is a popular choice because it offers help with activities of daily living and provides services such as basic health monitoring, recreational and social activities, and transportation. Your loved one enjoys the privacy of an apartment and meals provided by the community. Skilled nursing is for seniors who need the option of round-the-clock medical care and inclusive housekeeping, medical and social needs.
Decide what option is best for your loved one
Is dad still pretty independent, but not as mobile as he used to be because of arthritis? Does mom struggle to do daily chores and complain about how lonely she is? To help you make the right senior care choice, understand the eldercare concept known as activities of daily living (ADL). Look up the definition of ADL and see where your loved one fits.
Perhaps you’ll decide that a community setting is your best care option, and in particular an assisted living community. Then your next step is to find the best community possible.
Research and visit communities in your targeted area
Set up appointments with the managers of the senior care communities that you’ve targeted for consideration. Make up a list of questions and don’t accept evasive responses; ask about social activities, and see if you can join a community lunch or dinner. Carefully observe how staff interact with residents, and whether residents appear to be happy, well-groomed and engaged with other residents and staff.
Finding home sweet home
Even if dad can no longer live in his own family home, help him gain home-field advantage by finding the best senior care option, one that meets his physical, emotional and spiritual needs.
What tips would you offer to others seeking senior care providers?
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