In many areas of the country, senior citizens lack the access to high quality care that more urban and suburban parts of the country take for granted. Unfortunately, this means that many elderly people go without the care that they need to stay as happy and healthy as possible. Because many seniors live in remote parts of the country–parts that younger people pursuing professional careers leave–they lack access to adequate doctors and assistance. Awareness of this problem is beginning to change it, but there’s still a long way to go before these parts of the United States catch up to the more urbanized parts.
In the San Francisco Bay Area, we are lucky that there are a lot of great senior care providers. This comes in the form of both medical professionals, and senior care professionals, such as assisted living facilities and in-home care services. It’s important that these things not be taken for granted, especially if we have a loved one that is in need of more assistance. Finding them the appropriate care is easier in this part of the country than many other areas have it, and although this is a good thing for us, it is important to note that more efforts around the country will be necessary to ensure that everyone who needs it has access to the senior care that they need.
Instead of institutionalized care like nursing homes, in-home care can be a far easier alternative for these parts of the country. Because many rural areas are long distances from hospitals and other areas where medical professionals gather, there is often a lack of professionals that specialize in senior health and care. When in-home care professionals are used, this helps to bridge that gap. These caregivers do not need to have medical training, but rather should be more well versed in helping around the house, providing companionship, and responding to emergency situations.
Sometimes, families will move their elderly loved ones to cities so that they may better help their parents or grandparents, but this isn’t something that everyone can afford or even want to do. Studies show that most seniors, especially those with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, handle the aging process when they are aging in place, through the assistance of an in-home caregiver. Whether you are inside or outside of the Bay Area, it’s important that you make the best choices for you and your family, and considering in-home care is often the best course of action. If you have questions, consult with your mom or dad’s doctor, and they will better direct you toward which type of care is going to be the most helpful for the people that you love. The senior care field can be difficult to navigate, especially if you live far from established senior care centers, so it’s important to know what your options are. Your county’s senior services department will also be able to guide you in the right direction if you have further questions.
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