Understanding the Different Kinds of Assisted Living Options for Seniors
The needs and preferences of every senior are different – with a variety of care services, your loved one can receive the personalized living assistance they need while remaining in their home
Senior care decisions are frequently made by families working together with their senior loved ones to make the right choice for their unique situations. When deciding on the best assisted living solution for your senior loved one, it is important to understand what options you have at your disposal, how they differ, and how they can help your aging parent or relative. In this article, various senior care options are explained to help you and your family reach the right decision for your loved one, considering their unique care needs and wishes.
Home Care Services
Many seniors need just a bit of support to continue with their routine right at home. For those older adults, in-home care services may be an ideal assisted living solution. Home care offers services ranging from assistance with personal care and housekeeping to running errands and transportation. Apart from remaining in the comfort of their home, one of the biggest advantages of home care is that includes companionship, allowing seniors to form close bonds with their caregivers. It is also important to note that home care is often the most affordable care solution for seniors.
With home care services, senior can maintain the routine and lifestyle that have become accustomed to. For families who live near loved ones, being able to drop in for a visit at any time helps keep loved ones’ spirits high. If you are out of town or live far away from a loved one, you can rest assured that they are receiving professional care without the stress and confusion of moving into a care facility.
Home Health Care
Seniors who require skilled health care to recover from an illness or injury or to monitor and manage serious conditions may need home health care. Recommended by medical professionals, home health care includes specialized services like wound care, injections or IV therapy. As its name implies, home health care is provided in the client’s home, just like regular home care. While it is cheaper than many other care solutions, home health care is more expensive than home care.
When researching home care services, consider the type of care your loved one needs now as well as the type of care they may need in the future. If your senior mom or dad has some confusion currently, they may benefit from in-home dementia care in the future. This type of assistance is often available through traditional home care agencies and may not require health care services.
Retirement or Independent Living Communities
An assisted living solution that involves seniors moving to apartment units within large complexes, retirement or independent living communities is a good choice for older adults who can maintain their independence but do not wish to engage in various homemaker tasks, such as housekeeping or meal preparation. Retirement communities provide plenty of room for socialization and also offer a myriad of senior-friendly activities, so their residents could enjoy an active lifestyle. The cost of independent living communities differs from state to state.
Assisted Living
Similar to retirement communities, assisted living facilities are also housing options that exclusively cater to seniors. However, while retirement communities are good solutions for seniors who can take care of themselves, these facilities serve seniors who need assistance with daily tasks. They provide meals, medication management, help with dressing and bathing, and other services needed to improve independence. Some assisted living facilities also offer care for seniors with depression, Alzheimer’s disease, and other illnesses that develop in old age. They cost less than nursing homes but cannot provide care for seniors with needs that are too advanced or complex.
Your Family Has Options
Nowadays, there are a lot of different assisted living options for seniors. To make the best decision for your aging loved one, it is important to gain a better understanding of their specific needs and talk openly to them to find out what they wish for their future. If you need any help, please give us a call today! We are at your service!
Visiting Angels Santa Clarita proudly provides non-medical senior in home care services to families in Santa Clarita, CA, ad the Antelope Valley. Our senior care services are flexible, affordable, and comprehensive. Visiting Angels will work with you and your senior loved one to create a personalized care plan that encourages health, wellness, and a high-quality life. Contact our office for more information!