With so many elderly care options available, it can feel overwhelming deciding on the right fit for your aging loved one. You can make the process simpler by paying attention to reviews, touring communities, asking about care specifics, and more.
According to AHCA/NCAL, the United States features well over 32,000 assisted living communities. While this is a significant number, using the right vetted strategies can go a long way toward narrowing down these senior care options.
After all, your loved one deserves to experience the absolute best that their golden years have to offer.
How Do I Know What Aging Parent Support Is Needed?
Sometimes it's difficult to assess exactly what kind of care your loved one may need. Start by broaching the topic with them in a frank and empathic conversation.
Ask them how they'd feel about moving into a community or receiving in-home care. You can also touch on concrete ways that these services and amenities can enhance their lives.
Examples include the following and more:
- Assistance with everyday tasks
- More opportunities to socialize
- An increased level of safety
Feel free to discuss the situation with other family members. One or more of them may notice what your loved one needs, such as support with bathing, reminders to take prescription meds, or even companionship at the local park.
As you search for caregivers and community living solutions, you should also take the time to have similar conversations with professionals in the field. They have a trained eye and can suggest services and amenities that would go a long way toward improving your parents' lives.
Do they have chronic illnesses, mobility issues, or maybe cognitive impairments? All of these factors should inform the decision.
How to Have a Productive Conversation With Your Loved One
There's no denying that conversations about care can feel charged with emotion. While such conversations can be difficult, you can soften the situation by emphasizing your concern and love for your parent.
Explain how you'd like to find a solution together so that they can age with a deeper sense of safety and camaraderie. If you feel like the talk has gone off track, then take a breath, remain calm, and try to get to the heart of the issue. Sometimes, it can take several different conversations before everyone agrees on a course of action.
It's true that planning ahead is important, but rushing the process can worsen matters. Such conversations can feel more productive when everyone in the family takes part. That way, everyone can have a moment to express their concerns, feelings, and senior health advice.
What Do the Main Types of Care Involve?
When considering senior living tips, it helps to break down the general options. The main types of care include the following:
- At-home services
- Independent living
- Assisted living
- Memory care
- Palliative care
There are many reasons why your parent would want to remain at home, including a beneficial sense of familiarity. If the home doesn't have safety issues, then having a caregiver from a Philadelphia, PA senior care agency, for instance, can end up being the perfect solution.
Independent is best suited for seniors who would like help every now and then but don't need round-the-clock care. For them, living in a senior community centers more around the social opportunities and resort-style conveniences. Plus, if an emergency happens or if their situation changes, then professional help is nearby.
Assisted living provides more day-to-day assistance and can involve help with bathing, scheduling transportation, and more. Still, this option doesn't come with 24/7 nursing care.
Anyone who has memory issues, including those that stem from dementia and other mental impairments, should choose memory care. It involves more focused care on a daily basis. Residents can also keep their minds as sharp as possible through brain games and other helpful exercises.
Palliative care is for elderly individuals who are nearing the end of their lives. It often involves a serious illnesses that require the treatment of symptoms even if there's no cure for the underlying cause. In this situation, medical professionals will keep a close eye on the resident and ensure they're as comfortable as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Can I Know Whether I've Made the Right Elderly Care Choice?
In addition to doing preliminary research, it's also a good idea to visit the community or nursing home in question. Reputable facilities make it easy to schedule tours, and their team should be more than happy to answer all of your questions.
If you've chosen an at-home care option, then be sure to conduct thorough interviews and background checks before making your final decision. It's also worth checking in with your loved ones on a weekly basis to double-check that they're happy and comfy.
What Opportunities Do Residents of Senior Communities Have?
Depending on what senior living community you choose, your loved one can have an impressive range of activities to choose from. For instance, they could join yoga classes, movie marathons, or even local outings supervised by caring professionals.
If your loved one has a certain passion, such as knitting, then you should find out if the community offers similar opportunities. You may discover a crafts room or club where your parent can make new friends while indulging in one of their favorite hobbies.
By socializing and staying active, seniors can elevate their golden years and stay as healthy and happy as possible.
Your Loved Ones Deserve the Best Senior Care Available
By taking a closer look at senior care options, you can find a solution that will ensure the safety and happiness of your aging parent. From checking online reviews and touring communities, there's plenty you can do to offer you and your loved ones a deeper peace of mind.
Of course, even the right choice isn't always easy. It's worth staying up to date on ways you can help your aging parents and local news in general. We encourage you to browse our website further to discover more tips and insights.
This article was prepared by an independent contributor and helps us continue to deliver quality news and information.
