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By Harry Cline – NewCaregiver.org
When it comes to senior care, there are numerous decisions that need to be made. Seniors have to consider their daily care requirements, medical needs, as well as their personal preferences. The best type of senior home care will be unique to you. Since your quality of life matters most, it’s crucial to keep your values in mind when making this decision. Here are some other pointers to help you weigh your senior home care options.
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Tour Many Assisted Living Facilities
Assisted living provides a happy balance of private living and round-the-clock care. Many seniors choose to move into an assisted living facility to get help with daily tasks, like cooking and grooming. At the same time, they are able to maintain their independence by living in a private studio or one-bedroom apartment.
If you decide that assisted living is right for you, be sure to tour many different places. There’s only so much you can learn about a facility by researching online. When you visit, check out the safety features, cleanliness, food quality, and the level of care provided by staff members. If you’re touring facilities for a senior loved one, keep their quality of life and desire for independence in mind. Some assisted living facilities may offer greater resident privacy than others.
Talk to Residents and Staff
Of course, it’s not enough to just tour the assisted living facility. Talk to residents and staff to get a real picture of the community there. Ask residents what they like and dislike about living there. Inquire about staffing numbers during the day and night, and ask about the facility’s staff turnover rate — a high turnover rate may indicate that staff are overworked and may not be able to meet the needs of their residents. Frontline has detailed some other great questions that you can ask as you consider different assisted living facilities.
Make Home Accessibility Upgrades
Although assisted living can offer many benefits to seniors, the majority of people would rather age in place. According to CNBC, 90 percent of people plan to spend their golden years in their own homes. Some of the common physical problems that accompany aging can make this challenging. Fortunately, there are several home upgrades that can help seniors maintain a happy, healthy life in the comfort of their own homes. Consider moving into a senior-accessible house or making these upgrades to your existing home.
The most important home modifications to make are those that increase your safety and independence. This might mean installing grab bars in the bathroom or adding a ramp to your front entrance. Also, be sure to take advantage of aging in place technology like emergency fall detectors, sensors, and medication reminders.
Understand Your In-Home Care Options
If you decide to remain in your own home, you can still receive round-the-clock assistance with your daily living tasks, chores, and medical needs. In-home care services are extensive, so you have a lot to choose from. Some of the most common services are skilled nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, counseling, homemaking, companionship, and pharmaceutical services. Keep in mind that Medicare may not cover the cost of at-home custodial care.
As you or your senior loved one realize the need for greater care, you may start looking into home care options. Professional care can help seniors retain their health and happiness by preserving as much of their independence as possible. Most important of all, choosing the right home care will allow you to maintain a high quality of life in your golden years.
