A Quick Guide to Senior Care Options | In just a few more years, all Baby Boomers will be age 65 or older. And by the year 2030, experts predict there will be more senior citizens in the US than children under 18.
What does this mean for you and your loved ones? As your parents and grandparents reach their Golden Years, you’ll need to consider the best senior care options for their needs.
Here are four common paths your family might consider.
- Aging in Place
As long as it’s safe and possible, most seniors prefer to age in place — that is, to grow old in their own home.
If they’re relatively healthy and their home poses few hazards (such as steep stairs), this could be a viable option. If nearby family members are available to help with basic tasks like cleaning, cooking, or buying groceries, even better.
As your loved one gets older, you may need to make some modifications to their home (such as grab bars in the bathroom) to make it a safer environment. You could also look into bringing in a home health aide or another companion a few days a week.
- Assisted Living
One of the main benefits of assisted living is it strikes a good balance between senior care and independence. If your loved one starts to need more help than the family can provide, assisted living facilities could be the perfect solution.
Your loved one will move into a small apartment (with their spouse, on their own, or with a roommate) where they’ll be able to receive help with basic household tasks. At the same time, they’ll be free to come and go as they like, receive visitors, and join community activities.
- Senior Care Home
The next step up in care options is a senior home or nursing home facility. This may become necessary if your loved one has a worsening health condition, such as Alzheimer’s disease, that requires continuous monitoring.
In many ways, a senior care home is similar to assisted living. The staff takes care of cleaning, providing meals, and arranging activities for residents. Patients also receive the medical attention they need from visiting doctors, nurses, and therapists.
- Hospice Care
Hospice care is a beautiful provision at the most difficult time in your loved one’s life. If they’re diagnosed with a terminal illness, Hospice can step in to provide end-of-life care at home, in a nursing home, or in a Hospice facility.
The goal of Hospice care is, not to prolong life, but rather to make your loved one as comfortable as possible during their final weeks or months. They also provide emotional support and grief counseling for family members.
Which Type of Senior Care Is Right for Your Loved One?
Like everything else in life, there’s no “one size fits all” option for senior care. Much depends on your loved one’s health, financial situation, and how much help they can realistically receive from the rest of the family.
Bookmark this list and refer back to it as you begin your search for the ideal senior care center for your loved one.
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