As your loved one ages, it can be difficult to know how to provide the care they need. When it comes to senior care, what is the best option for you loved one? Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. But you do have options:
Health Care Options for Seniors
Aging in Place
When a person continues to live in their own home as they age, it’s called “aging in place.” Eventually, elderly people still need additional care. In this case, they pay someone to help them in their home.
Assisted Living
A facility that specializes in caring for aging people is called Assisted Living. It’s a general term that can mean anything from condos to a smaller, on-site apartment near other residents. This is not to be confused with a nursing home that provides additional health care for residents.
Important Factors to Consider
There’s no wrong way to age. But some choices and circumstances make it easier. When choosing what type of care is best for your loved one, consider these factors.
Family
Is family near-by and available to help? It’s possible to hire out services if your loved one chooses to age in place, but it requires more help from family members. When your loved one misplaces keys or a light bulb goes out, you will be the one they call.
Housing Accessibility
Some homes are more accessible than others. Does your loved one’s house have a bedroom and full bathroom downstairs? Then aging in place might work. If not, then it might be time to consider moving. When you consider the next steps, remember that each move takes times to adjust. With that in mind, it might be wise to limit the amount of moves that your loved one will need to make.
Finances
Is your loved one able to remember to pay their bills? As people age, they are at a higher risk for being financially exploited. Their confidence and cognitive ability to deal with finances as they age should be considered when choosing a health care option.
Transportation
Transportation can be a difficult factor to consider, because it’s a tangible sign of your loved one’s independence. When they can no longer transport themselves, it’s important that they find someone to help with transportation, or simply find a community that meets all of their needs within walking distance.
Physical Health
Your loved one’s ability to take care of their physical health is a huge indicator of the type of care they need. Do your loved one need help remembering to take medications? Do they need help bathing? If they need additional care, assisted living is a good option.
Cognitive Health
Everyone ages differently, but it’s not uncommon for an aging brain to show signs as well. Memory lapses and confusion may become increasingly common. It’s important to make sure that your loved one has someone they can count on when they need help making sense of it all.
Emotional Health
It’s important not to overlook the emotional health of your loved one. Depending on their personality, they may thrive in a quiet house, or they might want more interaction with people. Regardless of their personality type, a 2004 study from the journal Social Science & Medicine shows that interactions with others can impact a person’s physical and emotional health as they age.
Considering Assisted Living? Consider Brentwood.
Brentwood Health Care Center provides quality, dignified care for your loved ones. We provide rehabilitation service, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing care. Aging can bring uncertainty, but at Brentwood Health Care, we’ll walk beside you every step of the way.
