Choosing the best senior care for a loved one can seem overwhelming. There are many options, and it’s essential to understand them all.
Independent living communities allow elders to live in their homes while receiving minimal daily care. Continuing-care retirement communities on one campus provide independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing care.
Companion Care
Consider companion care if you’re concerned about your aging loved one spending too much time alone. This type of home care involves having a caregiver come by regularly to engage with your loved one in activities that encourage socialization and emotional well-being.
Companion caregivers can help your elderly loved ones stay in touch with their communities, which promotes a positive outlook on life and can lead to better overall health. They can also assist with errands and household chores, including meal preparation and cleaning.
If you want to find a caregiver for your elderly loved one, search online for reputable companion care providers and inquire about their services through their website. Look for agencies that create client care plans and involve families in planning. Also, inquire whether the agency offers respite care when family members cannot attend. A reliable companion care provider will develop a rapport with your senior and make them feel they have someone they can count on.
Home Care
Many seniors wish to live in their own homes as long as possible. Home care is a way for them to do just that. For some people, an occasional visit from a caregiver is all they need; for others, round-the-clock home care may be necessary.
A senior can receive home care through a licensed home health services agency (LHCSA) or by hiring a private nurse. LHCSAs offer non-medical personal care and companionship services, errand running, and meal preparation. A private nurse can provide medical services like wound care and medication management, but this type of home care is more costly.
Inviting someone into your home to provide regular home care can be intimidating. However, many seniors enjoy home care’s companionship and social interaction, allowing them to remain home longer. Moreover, these services may be covered for those with long-term care insurance coverage.
Skilled Nursing Care
Skilled nursing is the right option if your aging loved one needs medical care and treatment only licensed nurses can provide. A home healthcare organization, an assisted living community with a nurse on-site, or a skilled nursing facility could provide this.
The latter provides a more clinical and hospital-like environment than home healthcare or assisted living communities but focuses on providing high-level medical care for your family member. The staff includes registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and certified nurse assistants. Also on hand are physical, occupational, and speech therapists who can address various health issues.
Most private health insurance and Medicare cover short-term stays in a skilled nursing facility. It is an excellent choice for seniors recovering from surgery, a medical episode, or managing a chronic illness. Other services include wound care, intravenous injections, vital signs monitoring, and medication management. Additionally, speech therapy addresses communication and swallowing dysfunctions, while a dietitian can help with food planning.
Long-Term Care
When deciding on care for your loved one, it is essential to consider all of the options available. This guide outlines some of the different types of senior care to help you make the best choice for your family.
Short-term care is designed with a specific end goal, such as helping your aging loved one recover from an injury or surgery and return to their previous level of independence. This type of care typically lasts for a few weeks or months.
Long-term care, conversely, is ongoing custodial or skilled care for seniors with a chronic health condition or disability that prevents them from living independently. This care is frequently provided in residential settings like nursing homes or assisted living facilities. Still, it can also be delivered in the home, through community-based services, or by private caregivers.
Many people opt for long-term care in their own homes, with the support of family caregivers who can assist when needed. This option can be highly cost-effective, especially if you share caregiving duties with family members or friends.
