Are you living with a senior citizen? Are you struggling to take care of your elderly because of work and other commitments? Do you wish to give them the proper attention they deserve?
Then you better start looking into different senior living options in your area. Data reveals that there are over 54 million residents in the United States who are 65 years and older. Furthermore, this number will continue to increase as baby boomers hit retirement age.
Unfortunately, a study also revealed that older people in the US are more likely to live alone. However, you can avoid such a predicament for your elderly through senior living. But what are these living options you may consider for your parents and grandparents?
Continue reading below as we discuss some of the best options for senior living.
- Aging in Place
Even if your goal is to transfer your beloved elderly to a different place, you can still reconsider the aging in place option. This means keeping your senior inside your home. However, the difference is making some tweaks to address their mobility concerns.
Aging in place is a viable choice for senior citizens who can still handle most of their tasks alone. Furthermore, it makes sense if they still receive enough community support.
Aging in place also means the senior person retains his independence. Though you may hire a caregiver for your elderly, it is still cheaper compared to an assisted living facility.
- Age-Restricted Communities
These communities feature residences that cater to people within a certain age. The houses in these communities can be a condo, a single-family home, an apartment, or a townhouse.
Furthermore, the people living in these communities tend to share the same interests. This means you can profile your elderly and place them in homes with like-minded people. If your mother was a professor during her younger days, you can move her to a community where other elderly educators live.
This way, she can easily make new friends with her neighbors. Moreover, they will become more active in body and mind through their interactions. As for the maintenance and lawn care, it is the community that takes care of these concerns.
- Nursing Homes
The first two options we discussed belong to the independent living category. These remaining options, however, feature a notable level of assistance.
A nursing home is one of the most popular senior living options with an element of assistance. Nursing homes are perfect for senior citizens with debilitating ailments. This is because the homes offer remarkable medical care and attention.
Generally, nursing homes feature licensed physicians and nurses who oversee the needs of the elderly. Moreover, the elderly don’t need to worry about their food, housekeeping, laundry, and transportation concerns.
Nursing homes also come with licenses and are under regulation by state agencies. These ensure that everyone living in these homes receives ample medical care. Additionally, some of these homes offer services for patients with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
However, the downside for nursing homes is the high cost. Since the seniors receive top-notch medical attention, the fees are also higher compared to other senior living options. If you are looking for affordable senior living, click here.
- Respite Care
Respite care is somewhat like nursing homes. However, the main difference lies in the length of the senior person’s stay. Respite care assists the elderly who need medical care but only for a short period.
Most of the time, older people enter respite care while recovering from a serious ailment. Sometimes, senior citizens who underwent major operations also seek respite care.
The good thing about respite care is they provide 24-hour assistance to residents.
- Assisted Living
Assisted living spaces cater to residents who need help with instrumental daily activities. Such activities include bathing, laundry, and cooking.
There is a wide variety of facilities available at different locations. The daily meals, housekeeping, and laundry are the most basic. Residents can also take part in different exercise activities to stay fit. If this is the option you choose, be sure the facility has security cameras, staff available 24 hours a day, and regular safety checks. Caregiverlist encourages users to check the credentials of providers in their local area to ensure quality care.
Some assisted living areas offer medical and nursing assistance. Others offer transportation for residents who are going to a doctor’s appointment.
- Hospice
Last but not least is the hospice. Technically, a hospice is not a place.
Instead, it is a form of service that focuses on elderly people with a terminal illness. You may request for hospice care in a nursing home.
Alternatively, you can have one right in the comforts of your home. Some of the main hospice services revolve around pain management. Most of the time, people who enter hospice care seek relief from the physical pain they are going through.
The good thing about hospice care is that it gives the elderly a chance to enjoy the remaining days of their lives by reducing their pain. Also, hospice care involves emotional and spiritual treatment. These elements are valuable especially for people in their twilight years.
Things to Do When Choosing the Right Senior Living Options
Choosing senior living options is something that requires careful assessment. There are some key factors that you need to consider before finalizing your choice.
First, you need to conduct your research and due diligence. This means going online and checking out different websites for senior living.
Another is talking to a doctor. This is crucial especially if you wish to go the aging in place route. Before making any adjustments with your home, consult with the senior’s doctor for advice on which areas require some modification.
Aside from the doctor, you also need to consult with a financial advisor. As some senior living options require serious amounts of money, you need to protect the financial health of your family.
Lastly, visit different communities for the elderly. Get a feel of the areas and see if your beloved seniors will like them or not.
Care for Your Entire Family
Understanding the different senior living options will help you provide the best possible care your beloved elderly relatives deserve. Doing so will help them enjoy their remaining years, as they stay healthy and happy.
As for the rest of your family, there is a whole lot more to learn. Increase your knowledge in family care by checking out our other articles. We discuss topics that will help you look after your family in the best ways possible.