Senior Living Options: What is Right for Your Elderly Loved Ones?
As your loved one ages, you may have to eventually make difficult decisions about their care. If they continue to live at home alone, they may be more vulnerable to accidents and injuries that could threaten their overall health and quality of life. The risk increases even more if they have a chronic health condition or illness or are developing cognitive issues or mobility problems.
When it comes time to discuss your loved one’s care plan with them and other family members, it’s important to fully understand all the senior living options in your community. At New Outlook Home Care, we provide valuable, local resources and guidance on senior health and care. Here is our guide to comparing assisted living vs in-home care in Medford and Redmond, OR to determine which option is right for your loved one.
Recognizing Signs Your Elderly Loved One Needs Extra Help
While it can be tempting to live in denial about the fact that your parents or other loved ones are aging, ignoring safety concerns or warning signs that they need extra help could have serious consequences. If you notice any of these signs your loved one can no longer live alone or independently, it’s time to consider assisted living or in-home care:
Poor grooming or hygiene, such as wearing dirty or damaged clothes or ones that are not appropriate for the weather, not bathing regularly, and having bad body odor or greasy, unwashed hair
Unexplained weight gain or loss or signs of malnutrition or nutritional deficiencies
Trouble moving around the home safely or frequent falls or injuries
Changes in cognitive health or memory
Unexpected mood swings or behavioral changes such as increased agitation, frustration, anxiety, depression, anger, or paranoia
Neglect of housework, home maintenance, and caring for plants or pets
Health or safety hazards in the home
Diagnosis of a serious or chronic physical or mental health condition
Withdrawing from hobbies or social activities or exhibiting signs of isolation or loneliness
Exploring Local Senior Living Options
Your loved one doesn’t necessarily need to be immediately moved into a nursing home or assisted living facility. It’s important to understand all the solutions available so that you can make the choice between family caregiving, independent living, or assisted living vs in-home care.
Family caregiving – If you have a lot of family who live locally, you might consider creating a schedule for family caregiving services. You can alternate days or hours and divide up tasks like housework, grocery shopping, meal planning and preparation, medication management, transportation, and socialization. Do everything possible to strike a balance between spending quality time with your loved one and caring for them.
Respite care – To prevent family caregiver burnout, it’s important to also schedule regular respite care from a qualified home caregiver. They can provide much-needed breaks that allow family members time to handle their own physical and mental health needs, take care of work, run errands, or just enjoy a break.
In-home care – In-home caregivers offer a wide range of services that can be personalized to your loved one’s needs. They can provide assistance with the tasks of daily living, transportation to medical appointments, housework, grocery shopping and errands, meal preparation, and medication reminders. They also offer companionship and socialization. Some can provide specialized medical care like diabetes management, rehabilitative care or mobility assistance, and Alzheimer’s or dementia care.
Independent living communities – An independent living community allows active seniors to live in their own private apartments and enjoy shared activities and amenities.
Assisted living communities – An assisted living community provides private apartments but offers 24-hour access to assistance, and regular access to medical care.
Continuing care retirement communities – A CCRC provides independent living, assisted living, memory care, and nursing care in one facility.
Nursing facilities – Nursing facilities are short- or long-term care facilities that provide a higher level of medical care, rehabilitative care, or post-surgical care than home care or assisted living.
Evaluating Your Loved One’s Needs
Before making a choice, you must evaluate your loved one’s needs to determine the level of care they require. You should start by consulting with their primary care physician about their overall health and care plan. If your loved one is exhibiting memory problems, you may need to schedule a cognitive assessment to evaluate your loved one’s mental state and determine how well they can care for themself. You may also want to consult with other experts like a counselor, social worker, or elder lawyer.
You might need to draw up medical or financial power of attorney documents in order to manage your loved one’s care properly. You should also involve your family in the decision-making process to get their input and coordinate who can provide support and when.
Having an Open, Honest Conversation with Your Loved One
Next, schedule a time to have an open, honest conversation with your loved one. Speak in a quiet, comfortable area that is private and free from distractions. Give your loved one time to voice their concerns and ask questions. Make sure they understand your concerns and provide specific examples when possible.
However, refrain from acting aggressive, challenging, or frustrated, and try to stay patient and calm. You want your loved one to understand the benefits of in-home care and feel like they can retain some sense of autonomy and independence while still getting the help they need.
Call New Outlook Home Care Today
New Outlook Home Care offers a range of compassionate, reliable elder care services. Our caregivers can tailor their services to your loved one’s unique needs, goals, and environment. We offer respite care for family caregivers as well as companionship, nursing care, housekeeping, and personal care services that ensure your loved one’s health, safety, and comfort. Call us now or reach out to us online to schedule a consultation to discuss in-home care options in Medford and Redmond, OR.
