14 June 2018
 Categories: , Blog

If you have an aging loved one such as a parent or grandparent, you may be wondering how they will continue to care for themselves as they continue to age. While some seniors live at home and care for themselves, others no longer have the skills necessary to survive on their own. If your loved one is getting older, check out these three options for senior care living so you can determine the right one for your family member or friend.

Home Care

Ideally, your loved one can stay at home for the rest of their lives, even if they can't fully care for themselves. This is known as home care, and it is excellent for nearly any elderly patient. Depending on the overall physical and mental health of your loved one, they may need someone to help with day-to-day tasks, such as cooking, bathing, getting dressed, taking medicine, etc. However, other patients may only need assistance for a few hours a day or once a week.

The biggest benefit of choosing home care for your loved one is the comfort. Moving anyone out of their familiar setting can be disorienting, but for older people, being forced to move may affect their mood, leading to depression and feelings of helplessness or worthlessness. By keeping your loved one in their home or your home, you can ease their transition into their elderly years without as much stress or confusion. The downside to home care is that it can be expensive, and there may not be anyone with your loved one at all times, so it may not be best if your loved one needs round-the-clock care.

To learn more about this option, contact companies like Tender Care, Inc.

Assisted Living

Assisted living communities vary drastically from one community to the other because there are so many types. Many of them, however, come in apartment or condo styles, and your loved one may or may not own the unit. Depending on the level of care provided, there may be a full staff on call to help with daily tasks, such as cooking and cleaning, but they do not regularly check on patients as often as in nursing homes.

Patients in assisted living homes are usually quite independent, but they need or want the luxury of having assistance available when needed. With assisted living, however, your loved ones are immersed in a society designed for seniors. Therefore, they can interact with other seniors who share the same likes and experiences. Many assisted living facilities also offer activities and events to keep people active and happy. There may be strict rules, such as no pets or smoking, and assisted living facilities are usually expensive.

Nursing Home

Nursing homes are where you send loved ones who need a lot of assistance. The quality and services provided varies from nursing home to nursing home, but they all tend to look and feel more like a hospital than a home. Activities are usually still provided, but many patients may be unable to attend. Depending on the type of nursing home and how much you can afford, your loved one may have their own room, but most nursing home rooms are not mini-apartments as with assisted living homes.

The biggest benefit of a nursing home is the care. Patients who live in nursing homes often need help with most tasks, such as eating. At nursing homes, nurses and CNAs work around the clock to help ensure patients are comfortable, happy, and healthy. The downside, however, is that the home can affect your loved one's mood because of the hospital-like atmosphere. If your loved one is incapable of caring for themselves at all, then a nursing home is likely the best place.

As your loved one ages, they may no longer be able to care for themselves completely. Depending on how much help they need, however, they may be able to remain at home. If you are ready to discuss senior living options, get started today by finding an assisted living or in-home care provider today.