Care Options When It Is No Longer Safe To Live At Home
By CarePatrol of San Mateo County
Most seniors will reach a point when they are no longer safe living at home. Fortunately, seniors today have several different options that weren’t available to their parents or grandparents. There is a wide range of community-living options that can meet the needs of any person - no matter how much (or little) extra help they need.
Independent Senior Living/Retirement Community
These communities are a great first step for your loved one who can no longer live alone, but is still relatively independent. Residents living in these settings enjoy perks like extra companionship, transportation, assistance with cleaning or meal prep, and social events. These places don’t typically offer care (assistance with tasks like dressing, using the bathroom, or bathing), but they might be able to connect you with a professional caregiver who can schedule visits with your loved one.
Moving to a new place can be a scary step for your loved one. Moving to a retirement community can be a great first step for a senior who is hesitant to make that leap.
Assisted Living
These communities offer more advanced assistance than an Independent Senior Living Community. Residents here can expect assistance with medication management, using the bathroom, and getting dressed. They also include meals and activities. Depending on your state’s regulations, these communities are required to have relationships with medical professionals. Many have an RN on staff and keep open communications with your loved one’s doctor.
Understanding the pricing structure of an Assisted Living Facility can be tricky. Some charge only a fixed price, while other will have a base rate plus additional money dependent on the amount of care needed. Make sure that you understand how a community’s price is calculated before making any decisions.
Residential Care Homes
These are the most cost-effective options for seniors who require 24-hour care. Residents in these homes enjoy a home-like setting that they share with usually 5 but up to 10 other seniors. These communities offer the same benefits as an Assisted Living Community in a smaller setting with fewer residents per caregiver. They are a good choice for dementia patients who could benefit from a smaller living environment.
Skilled Nursing Home
Nursing homes have more of an institutional feel than the other senior living options listed above. There are two types of Skilled Nursing Homes: Acute and Long Term Care. An Acute Nursing Home is for senior needing specialized care for a short period of time. If your loved one is recovering from surgery or healing from an illness, an Acute Nursing Home is a great short-term option for them. A Long Term Care Nursing Home is better suited for seniors who need constant medical care and round-the-clock assistance.
Memory Care
Many senior living facilities have a separate area designated for residents with significant memory issues. There are also stand-alone buildings that serve as dedicated Memory Care facilities. This is a great option if your loved one is suffering from dementia, Alzheimer's, or some other condition that greatly impacts their cognitive functions. These communities hold special licensing and take extra precautions to help keep their residents safe.
These facilities are able to provide the same level of care as an assisted living community or a resident care home. Additionally, caregivers and staff receive specialized training in the unique needs that their residents face on a daily basis. They also have advanced security systems in place to prevent residents from wandering .
Making the decision to leave home can be a very difficult process for your loved one. It is important that you have as much information as possible to help you determine which level of care you’ll need.
Your CarePatrol Senior Care Consultant can help you sift through all of the information available to help you make an informed choice and give your loved one the best out-of-home experience possible.