Aging in place is a popular buzz phrase right now in the world of senior care, but how do you know if it’s right for you and your family? While it’s true that most people do not want to be moved away from the comfort of their own homes, there are a few other things to consider besides your elderly loved one’s personal desires. For one, you need to look at their basic medical needs. Can they get through the day without help? Are they able to move around their homes on their own? Can they bathe and feed themselves without putting themselves in a dangerous situation? Do they require the assistance of a physician on a regular basis?
These are all important issues to take under consideration. For example, the more medical help needed, the more difficult aging in place becomes. Aging in place needs to take place in the home, but this doesn’t mean that all issues are deal breakers. For example, an in-home caregiver can provide many points of assistance. They can help with meals and mobility. They can bathe and groom your loved one when they need help. They can even help with simple chores and financial tasks like paying bills and sorting mail. If the needs are not so severe that they cannot be met by a caregiver, then in-home care is a safe and valuable choice, making aging in place a viable option. If your mom or dad fits this description, and they want to age in place, then in-home care is a top choice.
But what if this isn’t right for your family? What if your elderly parent is unable to function on their own, even with caregiver assistance? What’s best for them? First, you need to meet with a medical professional. If they truly do have severe needs that must be addressed, then a doctor needs to be involved in the decision making process. Health and safety are high priorities, and need to be put ahead of wants. So, if your loved one’s doctor thinks that extra care is needed, then you have a few choices. There are nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and hospice care homes to choose from first. Hospice is for those that are suffering from a terminal illness, while assisted living is usually for those that have less severe needs that do not require medical attention on a regular basis. Nursing homes are more intensive care units, and they are much more expensive than the other options.
If none of these seem to fit your loved one’s needs, there are hybrid types of institutionalized care that are popping up. Multi-generational housing, or communities that give seniors more independence are great choices if they are safe for your loved one. In the end, searching is necessary, but if you can find the perfect match, go with it. Aging in place is a great place to start, but it’s not always the right choice for everyone. Simply being aware of your choices can make the decision easier when it’s time to make a care choice.
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