Are you starting to notice changes in your aging parent’s ability to take care of themselves or their home? For many adult children, there comes a time when difficult decisions need to be made about what kind of assistance your loved one may need and where they can safely and comfortably live.
Though some seniors with more serious medical conditions need the intensive care offered by a nursing home, most often the choice is between home care and an assisted living facility. And, since almost nine out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place and stay in a familiar place, home care is often the best option.
Home Care
There are many reasons to consider an in-home personal caregiver:
Your loved one desires to stay at home but needs a helping hand
A caregiver can give assistance with meal preparation, housekeeping, and laundry as needed, while still allowing your loved one as much independence as possible.
Your loved one is isolated or lonely
A caregiver offers companionship and stimulating activities, and can help your loved one get out of the house.
Your loved one has dementia
For seniors suffering from memory problems, living in familiar surroundings can be essential to their emotional well-being. Moving to a new facility with unfamiliar faces and a change in routine could be very disruptive.
Your loved one has a health concern or mobility challenge
A skilled caregiver can safely and effectively manage many health and mobility issues at home. They’ll provide medication reminders, fall prevention services, assistance with exercise, safety assessments, and other support.
Your parents need different levels of care
When elderly spouses have different care needs, a care facility might separate them, which could be very distressful for either or both of them. Or, if one of your parents cares for the other, they may need additional support as time goes on. Professional caregivers offer customized care for each situation and can make it possible for your parents to remain at home as long as they like.
You’ve been the primary caregiver and you need a break
Professional caregivers can provide respite care to take over so you can concentrate on your other responsibilities and avoid burnout. Respite care can be scheduled for everything from a few hours a week to an extended period for a vacation.
Assisted Living
There are some circumstances in which an assisted living facility may be the most appropriate option, including:
Your loved one requests it
Though the vast majority of seniors prefer to age in place, a small number would rather downsize their space and belongings and move to a new setting. Assisted living facilities usually offer studio, one bedroom or two bedroom apartments, which is often much smaller than a family home, and is easier to manage since maintenance and outdoor work is taken care of.
Your loved one would benefit from extra activities and social offerings
Many assisted living facilities offer a range of social activities and outings and therefore can be a good option for very social seniors who enjoy lots of interaction and activity.
You believe your aging parent may need additional care in the near future
Though it can be a difficult choice, an assisted living facility that also has the possibility to move into 24-hour nursing care when needed may be the right option for your loved one—especially if you live out of town and would have difficulty managing medical issues from a distance.
Before you decide…
Do some research to find out what’s available in your area, when it’s available and at what cost. As long as their safety is not compromised, try to honor your loved ones wishes as much as possible. Still not sure? Home Care Angels will provide a free in-home assessment. It’s a simple, no-risk way to find out whether in-home care is the answer for your family. Just visit our website, call us at 847.824.5221, or email us at info@homecareangelsinc.com to learn more or schedule your free assessment.
Home Care Angels provides assistance with daily activities, such as dressing, eating and personal care, from home service aides. Please call 847.824.5221 to speak with one of our Client Care Coordinators if you would like more information on in-home care.