Top 4 Options to Take Care of Your Aging Loved Ones
Our loved ones, most importantly parents, are the biggest treasure of our lives, for all that they have done for us selflessly that no one else can. However, aging is a fact of life. As our parents grow older and become increasingly fragile, even simple day-to-day tasks begin to exhaust and frustrate them. Consequently, they start to depend upon us, and we owe them the responsibility to care for them in the best way possible without compromising their dignity.
However, that does not mean that we sacrifice our prosperity and careers or put our lives on hold. In today’s fast-paced, busy society, not everyone has the time nor the ability to take care of their parent’s needs in the most fulfilling manner. After all, it is indeed a struggle to balance elder care with other responsibilities such as work, household chores, and child care.
Fortunately, there are several options available to care for an aging loved one’s health and safety without being emotionally or physically burnt out yourself, all while giving your loved ones a happy and fulfilling life. These options include home care at their existing property, or perhaps moving to a nursing home where they’ll live with others of similar age. While everyone is in a different situation in life, it is essential to carefully evaluate their needs and concerns to choose the best elderly care option for your loved one.
In-Home Care
Many elders wish to stay at home as they age. Also referred to as aging at home, this option would provide your loved one the most personal satisfaction by allowing them the freedom to maintain their independence, which a top quality home care agency in Philadelphia (as well as those elsewhere more relevant) can help to facilitate so that your loved one is comfortable. Being able to stay in their own home and keep their own schedule can do a lot to make them happier and more relaxed in later life.
Perhaps the number one reason for most elders preferring to stay at home is that they can have regular interaction and enjoy companionship with their beloved family members. Being in familiar surroundings and staying in charge of their lives can significantly enrich the quality of life in their later years. Making drastic adjustments to the elderly’s daily life can be very stressful and upsetting, leaving a deep psychological impact on them. If your loved one wants to age in place, you must give them the support they need to live a happy and comfortable life.
You have several options available, from hiring a personal care attendant who can assist them with eating, using the bathroom, and maintaining hygiene, to a certified nursing aide who can monitor their medical condition, while also helping with tasks like bathing and dressing. Due to in home care nashville (and in all other locations) being the best choice for individuals to keep as much of their routines and independence as possible, this is why it’s such a popular decision and preferred by many.
If you choose in-home care, make sure that your elders are regularly getting checked up by their doctors. If they don’t have one yet, you can simply search for terms like “emergency dentist las vegas” or “physicians near me” on the internet.
Tip: It is critical to hire a trustworthy personal caregiver, who can understand your loved one’s emotions and needs, and one your family member feels comfortable around.
Assisted Living
What are the benefits of assisted living? Assisted living facilities offer elders comprehensive help with day-to-day activities while featuring an independent living setting. Elders usually will have their unit or apartment within the facility and can come and go as necessary. They are designed for people who need assistance with everyday activities like meal preparation, medication management, bathing, dressing, or transportation. They serve elders who require more support than they could receive while living independently but who do not need complex medical care daily. Assisted living homes offer various recreational and social activities and programs to keep the individual’s brain and body active.
So is assisted living the right option for your loved one? If they find it increasingly hard to manage day-to-day activities but do not have a serious medical condition requiring round-the-clock monitoring, assisted living could be the right choice.
Adult Day Care
Adult daycare centers are nonresidential facilities designed for older adults who need supervised care during daytime hours. They provide assistance and companionship to the elderly, while the family members can go to their workplace, handle personal errands, and relax while knowing their loved one is well cared for and safe.
Adult daycares offer various opportunities for socialization and recreational activities to keep the participants engaged. They are an excellent option for elders who do not need round-the-clock supervision but who are also not safe being home alone the entire day. As mentioned, adult daycare facilities offer respite for families who need to look after an elder but also work during the day.
Nursing Homes
Also known as skilled nursing facilities, nursing homes are licensed residential facilities that provide 24/7 monitoring and medical assistance for elders who need constant supervision on an inpatient basis, like those who have a severe illness or disability. Nursing homes provide the most extensive care outside of a hospital. In short, they are the highest places of care for people who do not need to be in a hospital but cannot be cared for at home either.
With licensed physicians supervising each patient’s medical care and a nurse always on the premises, a nursing home provides the delivery of medical procedures and therapies that would otherwise not be available in other housing facilities.