Many older adults face health challenges and need regular assistance to complete necessary tasks. They may also require intensive medical care. When a family decides how to obtain this help and care for a loved one, they must understand the available options. With this information, they can make the right choice for their loved ones. This comprehensive guide makes it easier to navigate long-term care choices.
In-Home Care Services
In-home care services may not come to mind when considering long-term care options. However, they are an option for many individuals who want to age in place. Seniors can remain in their homes while receiving the care and support they need, and the services are tailored to them. Aides may assist with activities of daily living and work part or full-time.
Some seniors need skilled nursing services, which may be administered in the home depending on the type of service. Families should ask for physical, occupational, and speech therapists, who may also offer in-home services. Modern credentialing technology for nurses ensures that only qualified professionals deliver these critical services, giving families added peace of mind. Seniors prefer to remain in familiar surroundings, and these services help them achieve this goal.
Adult Day Programs
Seniors may be unable to live alone and move in with family members. If family members must work or be gone for several hours each day, adult day programs ensure the seniors are cared for and get the socialization they need to thrive. They benefit from structured activities and return home each evening to their loved ones. Some programs offer transportation for participants. The programs provide a range of activities designed to mentally stimulate seniors and get them up and moving. The fee typically includes nutritious meals, and the program may offer health monitoring services. Many families use adult day programs for respite care, as well.
Assisted Living
Assisted living is ideal for seniors who may live alone but require help with daily living activities. Residents live in private or semi-private apartments and benefit from communal areas where they can gather with other residents for planned or informal activities. These communities typically provide housekeeping and laundry services. Meals are included in the monthly fee, and staff members take residents to and from medical appointments. Residents benefit from being surrounded by their peers as they always have companionship and support, things they may have lacked while living at home.
Nursing Homes
Seniors requiring around-the-clock medical care benefit from skilled nursing services in nursing homes. These communities care for individuals with extreme functional limitations or complex medical conditions. Registered nurses and certified nursing assistants provide the care and continuously monitor and treat residents. Services offered in nursing homes range from medication management to rehabilitation therapy. Person-centered care ensures residents have the highest quality of life as they face various medical challenges.
.Memory Care
Memory care communities benefit men and women with dementia. These communities have security measures to keep residents safe and prevent them from wandering. Staff members undergo specialized training to handle the behavioral challenges seen with this condition, and the community is set up to reduce residents’ confusion. Visual cues help them get around safely. At the same time, planned activities are designed to help them maintain cognitive function.
Families should consider all options to find one that is right for their loved ones. Many families opt for a continuing care community. This community offers several levels of care on one campus, so residents won’t need to move if their care needs change. The goal is to find the correct balance between independence and support based on the individual’s needs. When this balance is found, they will have the highest quality of life.
