It is a challenge to take care of your parents if you work full time, live far away, or have young children. As your parents continue aging, you may find that you can’t provide the 24/7 care they need.
Even if you can visit them regularly and have help from caregivers, there comes the point where that may not be sufficient. Sometimes, this is due to a decline in their physical or cognitive function. As a result, adult children need to consider in-home care alternatives for their aging parents.
What are the best options for senior living? And how can you decide which one is best for your elderly parents? This article will help you make these decisions.
Signs That In-Home Care is Not Enough
If your elderly parent or loved one is no longer able to take care of themselves, this is a sign that they need extra help. If you aren’t sure if your elderly parent has gotten to this point, here are some signs to look for:
- They need help to eat, use the bathroom, stand, walk, or groom themselves
- Your parent doesn’t remember to eat, bath, or take care of other personal needs
- They put themselves in dangerous situations because they are confused
Your parents likely want to stay in their home for as long as possible. However, it isn’t always in their best interests. At home, they are more at risk for falls, have fewer opportunities to socialize, and may even forget to take their medicine.
In-Home Care Alternatives
No matter your parents’ circumstances, there is a senior living program that can fit their needs. These are some of the services offered at the best senior living facilities.
Assisted Living
Assisted living communities are not nursing homes or medical facilities. Individuals who live in these communities have their own homes, sometimes with several bedrooms.
If you choose to place your parents in assisted living, you will have the peace of mind that comes with knowing that they are safe. They will also be well taken care of and receive help with the following:
- Walking
- Eating
- Bathing
- Dressing
- Using the bathroom
- Transferring between a bed and a chair
- Taking medications
- Doing laundry
- Housekeeping
- Managing chronic conditions
Assisted living residents can also enjoy a variety of social activities, including outings. Staff members arrange transportation for them to go to doctors’ appointments when necessary.
Memory Care
If your parents have Alzheimer’s or Dementia, ordinary assisted living is not enough. They need extra care that is tailored to their needs and the help of specialized staff members.
In memory care retirement communities, your loved ones will be secure. However, they will not lose their independence and can have a private studio.
Like assisted living, staff members check on residents and help them with all the needed activities and chores. Despite their memory problems, you will not need to worry about their safety and health.
High Acuity Care
Some residents get to the point that they cannot have an independent lifestyle, even within an assisted living community. In these situations, high acuity care is needed.
Staff members monitor high acuity residents 24/7 and make sure that they have cared for all the residents’ needs. They live in open living spaces, such as a private studio or shared companion suite.
The extra care provided ensures that they remain secure but without losing their privacy and comfort.
Respite Care
Even if you decide that you will care for your elderly parents 24/7 at home, you may need a break at times. Whether for vacation or time to rest, you can leave your parents in respite care.
Doing so allows you to enjoy your holidays, knowing that your loved one is safe and sound. This also gives your elderly parent a chance to try out an assisted living facility without any commitment.
Reasons for Putting Parents in Assisted Living
In assisted living or other care programs, seniors have less to worry about, and by extension, so do you. There is no home to clean and maintain, meals to cook, or dangers to avoid.
Senior living facilities have trained staff available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Your elderly parents will never be without medical care or other forms of assistance.
Also, there are options for seniors to socialize and make new friends. Staff members schedule activities each day, so your parents will never feel bored and lonely.
Your elderly parents are safer and have plenty to occupy their time in senior living. You can feel calm knowing that they are better off there. Hence, you should never feel guilty for moving them to an assisted living facility.
Staying Connected With Seniors in Assisted Living
With the help of current technology, there are numerous ways to stay connected in the lives of your elderly parents, even when they are living in assisted living communities. Many families utilize modern technology such as video calls, text messages, and phone calls to chat with their family members regularly. Doing so will help your family members feel closer to you, even when they are far away.
Another thoughtful way to stay in touch is by sending care packages. You may wish to contain a handwritten note, a treat, or supplies for their favorite hobby.
If your elderly parents are good with technology, you can play online games together. There are plenty of multiplayer apps and websites that allow you to connect with family on any device. Taking advantage of these can help you organize game nights with your elderly parents in assisted living.
Choose the Best Assisted Community in Anchorage
When it comes to in-home care alternatives, there are plenty of options. It’s your job to find the program that best suits your elderly parents’ needs. If you need help assessing their situation, don’t be afraid to ask for help.
At Baxter Senior Living in Anchorage, we can help you find your loved ones’ best options. We would be glad to answer any inquiries you have about the facility or the programs.
Feel free to contact us today on our website!
