Most people would prefer to live in their homes all their lives. However, this is not always possible. For health reasons, your senior loved one may need to relocate to a facility where they can get specialized care.
Take for instance, a situation where your loved one suffers a stroke, a bad fall, or is terminally ill. No matter how much you love your parent, you may not be able to provide the professional services they need. Depending on the severity of the illness, you may engage a live-in caregiver. However, you may still find that your loved one needs the care that only a diverse staff of a nursing home can provide.
Depending on the needs of your loved one, there is a wide variety of options for senior living. These range from senior housing, independent living communities, assisted living, continuing care retirement communities, nursing homes, Alzheimer’s/memory care, and hospice care. Services and details vary from location to location and country to country but take time to seek and you may be surprised by what your area offers.
This is accommodation exclusively for people aged 55 and over. The services offered vary from site to site but generally do not include meals or personal care. Senior housing Provides affordable housing for seniors who can live independently but need the social opportunities on offer. These include transport to movies, outings, sports events, and other social contacts.
Independent living communities:
These are living plans for independent, active seniors who need easy access to healthcare support. The seniors furnish their own homes but the communities offer 24-hour security, facilities like fitness centers and pools, as well as social activities.
Meals, transport, assistance with housekeeping and laundry, bathing and dressing, and access to medical services are included in the rental of an apartment. Residents are also offered a full calendar of events including trips and the attendant social engagement opportunities.
Continued care retirement communities (CCRC):
These facilities combine independent living, assisted living, and nursing care. This means residents can take advantage of the facilities offered as their needs and circumstances change. Services vary from site to site but may include exercise as well as social and recreational activities. Many CCRCs offer an agreement to provide services for life.
Nursing homes:
Nursing homes cater to seniors who need full-time care. In some countries, a physician’s order is required to gain admission into a nursing home. Occupants of nursing homes receive 24-hour medical and nursing care, help with bathing, dressing, eating, and other personal care services. As needed, they also receive physical, occupational, and speech therapy. There are two categories of nursing homes. Intermediate care facilities offer eight hours of nursing care per day, while skilled nursing facilities offer 24-hour nursing supervision.
Alzheimer’s/Memory Care:
The memory care facilities may stand alone or may be housed within nursing homes, assisted living communities, or continuing care retirement communities. These facilities care for the special needs of people with dementia and related conditions. They provide 24-hour care, security, therapy, and activities that boost the quality of life of people with dementia.
Hospice Care:
Care for people with a terminal illness may be provided at a hospice or nursing home. Hospice care provides medical and nursing attention and therapy, as well as spiritual and emotional support.
Seek answers
Before you decide on the facility that best serves the needs of your aging loved one, talk to a senior-living advisor about the needs of your loved one. Next, look around and visit the facilities. Senior living facilities come in many shapes and sizes, from stand-alone homes, cottages, to apartments and everything else in between.
First impressions count. What’s the feel of the place? Is this a place you’d like to live? Observe staff friendliness, cleanliness, amenities, and the overall culture. Interact with the staff and caregivers. If you can, observe interactions between staff and residents to gauge friendliness and patience. Ask about staff qualifications, background, and accreditation of the facility and the staff.
Final thoughts
The type of facility you settle for will depend on many factors. These include the condition of your loved in, their interests, and your circumstances. Seek referrals but remember, every family is different. Your circumstances are different from those of your friends. Don’t be shamed by statements like “I’d never put my mother in a home.” Only you know why you have to do what you have to do.
