You might find it challenging to care for a family member who needs a higher level of attention. You might not have the resources to care for them at home since they might need something you can’t provide. Finding the right one is essential but stressful if you need a comfier place for them to stay. One tip is to evaluate your current situation and weigh all the options available.
Learn more about the options you have to find a more fulfilling, happier, and healthier environment, ensuring your loved one’s comfort and peace of mind. Below are the six different kinds of care facilities you can choose from. Do your research if you want to make a smart decision. That might include visiting the other facilities in your area.
Definition of Long-term Care
Long-term care isn’t only applicable to your elderly family members. It also applies to a sick, injured, or mentally and physically disabled person. Old age, disabilities, or terminal conditions are the common reasons people need long-term care assistance. Depending on what they need, their stay can be permanent or temporary. On the other hand, you can look into home care agencies to develop a customized care plan if your older family member struggles with a chronic condition and needs to stay home.
Make the selection phase more manageable to educate yourself about the different options you have.
1. Assisted Living Communities
Most residents in assisted living facilities get 24-hour supervision, including health care services, assistance with daily tasks, or meals. Your family member will have the time to stay in an in-home-like setting. Most caregivers will assist their patients with eating, housekeeping, transportation, medication, bathroom use, dressing, and bathing.
Your loved ones will be in a comfortable setting where they can also get recreational and social programs to keep their bodies and minds in good condition.
2. Memory Care
If your loved ones are suffering from Alzheimer’s or dementia, you can still find many options to help them get a better quality of care. You don’t have to worry about their well-being because they train their caregivers to provide 24-hour assistance and a lot of structured activities to ensure their quality of life and safety. Your loved one can be able to stay at home, but things can quickly get complicated.
Most residents in long-term care facilities reside in semi-private homes where they can get structured routines or activities supervised by trained employees.
3. Residential Care Homes
Residential care homes are homes for a vast population of residents living together, where a team of skilled caregivers supervises them. Likewise, they offer assisted care services for residents who are looking for a private, home-like institution. Most facilities can help with your loved one’s daily living activities, but their amenities or services differ.
4. Nursing Homes
Nursing homes are the recommended option for patients who need constant care and have issues completing daily tasks. Nursing homes are also the best options for people who can’t live independently. That’s because the facility’s caregivers can help with supervision, meals, activities, or rehabilitation. Your family member can opt for a temporary or permanent stay in these facilities.
Your family members that need complex, constant care will also benefit from the care services offered by a facility. In addition, these places provide recreational activities.
5. Respite Care
If you send your loved ones to respite care facilities, they can enjoy supervised activities, allowing them to engage with other residents. For example, they’ll have the time to dine with other residents. Or enjoy all the amenities, including using the salon, going to the movies, participating in training programs, or attending other activities. It’s also the best option for people who want to simplify their transition into full-time residents.
6. Independent Living Communities
Your local continuing care retirement community is one of the common institutions you can opt for. In most cases, these facilities can provide care in three different ways: independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing. Your loved ones can also enjoy various amenities and health care that will meet their changing needs. Independent living facilities offer fully-equipped private homes, depending on the community.
If your loved one is experiencing medical conditions that slightly affect their mobility, you can contact an independent living institution. Your family member can join social or recreational activities, further improving the community they’re already familiar with.
Other individuals call these institutions senior apartments, 55+ communities, retirement villages, or congregate care.
Educating yourself about the options you have can be overwhelming. Understanding what your family can avail of will help you make an informed choice. Let your family member’s physician clarify your concerns to help you determine which care institutions meet their medical conditions and care needs.
