Finding the right long term care can be a daunting process. There are so many senior care options to choose from, each boasting different perks, and benefits, and lifestyles. Though you may feel overwhelmed, always remember that you are taking care of yourself. Choosing a long term care service is about you: your needs, your wants, and your wishes. As you explore the range of senior care options, you should not settle. Be sure that you find the care service that fulfills all of your standards–the right care service will perfectly align with your wishes and needs.
But how do you even start? Well, when looking at long term senior care options, there are three major contenders: nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and home care. First, we will want to distinguish their services, clarifying the environment each long term care service provides. From there, it is personal: each service can tend to a range of medical needs, mobility needs, and personal needs. Together, we will investigate what each long term care service can offer, and find-out which one is right for you.
Nursing Home
What is a Nursing Home?
Nursing homes are facilities built like homes or apartments with shared common areas, and private bedrooms or share suites. Nursing home staff will assist with Activities of Daily Living, such as eating, bathing, dressing, mobility, and continence. Most nursing homes provide personalized services that tend to each individual’s needs in order to ensure that all residents feel safe and comfortable. Often, Nursing homes have nurses or doctors on staff alongside their trained caregivers. Though, nursing homes are not covered by Medicare or Medicaid because they are not certified and are usually managed by charitable organization.Usually, nursing homes are small and intimate, focusing on creating a relaxing, soothing environment for all residents.
When is a Nursing Home the Right Senior Care Option for Me?
Nursing homes are perfect for residents who require enough assistance with their daily life that they cannot live alone, while also not needing specialized medical care. If you struggle with completing your Activities of Daily Living but do not have any obstructive medical conditions, then a nursing home may be the right care facility for you. With a nursing home, you will receive assistance from trained caregivers and find companionship with fellow residents. You may have meals prepared for you, and spend your afternoons strolling through the gardens on-site or playing cards with fellow residents. The intimate, caring staff will help you with any mobility, bathing, or toileting needs. If you struggle with leaving home but know you cannot live alone, a nursing home may be the most natural next step.
Assisted Living
What is Assisted Living?
Assisted living facilities are often larger centers that are fully equipped to care for seniors of all mobility and medical needs. Assisted living facilities generally take care of everything. Staffed with fully certified doctors and nurses, assisted living facilities provide comprehensive and immediate medical care and assistance. Assisted living facilities are constructed to be completely wheelchair-accessible and walker-accessible. Full cafeterias, activity centers, medical centers, and recreation centers are all on-site. Staff will help residents with Activities of Daily Living and provide 24/7 monitoring services. Assisted living facilities offer comprehensive oversights in order to reduce the risk of injury through slipping, falling, burning, or other instances of avoidable harm.
When is Assisted Living the Right Senior Care Option for Me?
Assisted living facilities best serve those who are suffering extremely debilitating illness, or those who have lost mental faculties. Those who do not need such extreme assistance may also choose an assisted living facility simply because of their comprehensive offerings. Because assisted living facilities usually are all-inclusive, seniors who want to remain activity and retain a sense of independence may enjoy an assisted living facility. Assisted living facilities also provide an opportunity to remain social and readily available for visiting friends and family.
Home Care
What is Home Care?
With in-home care services, the care you need is brought to your personal home. Services provided by in-home care are completely personalized, customized to fulfill each patient’s specific needs. An in-home caregiver is uniquely assigned to each patient, providing both daily assistance and companionship. In-home caregivers help with any Activities of Daily living that the patient may need assistance with. In-home caregivers can even help with preparing meals, housekeeping, and independence–providing transportation to pharmacies, grocery stores, doctor’s appointments, and more.
When is Home Care the Right Senior Care Option for Me?
In-home care is a fantastic option for those who need assistance with any Activities of DAily living, but do not need constant monitoring due to health or faculties. In-home care is the best option for patients who are resistant to leaving the comfort and intimacy of their own private home.
