Getting older comes with many challenges, and one tough decision you might have to make later in life is whether or not to go into care. If you’re a senior citizen or you are concerned over the well-being of an elderly relative because they are struggling to cope with daily tasks, seem lonely, or are showing signs of dementia, it might be time to explore the possibility of professional care. Below are some tips to help guide you through this difficult time and make the best decision for you and/or your relative.
Understand the Different Types of Care
The first thing you will need to do is research into the various types of senior care available. Everyone’s needs are different, so it’s important to find the right facility or home care for your situation. If you or your relative is struggling with things like preparing meals, getting dressed in the morning, or needs assistance bathing, you have two options. One is hiring a carer to visit them at home and manage these tasks for them, or the other is moving into an assisted living community, like the Ladue senior living community.
If you or your relative is still capable of looking after themselves but feels isolated and lonely, perhaps a retirement community would be a better fit? Dementia patients will require more specialist care, so looking at memory care facilities they can move to or centers to visit during the week will be necessary. There are other options you can explore, but these are some of the most common types of senior care you will come across.
Your Budget
Another thing to think about carefully is how much you can afford to spend on senior care. Naturally, you will want the best care for yourself or a relative, but some residential communities will be more expensive than others. Sit down with your family and discuss this to see who is able and willing to contribute to the care and how much everyone can afford. Once you know how much you can spend, you can start looking at care options within your price range to find the best fit.
The Location
If you’re going to move into a residential home, it’s important to consider the best location. No one wants to make a long-haul move as this can be tiring and stressful, and if you or your elderly relative has lived in a town or area for a long time, they might be reluctant to leave. However, it’s also important to consider how easy it is to reach in case of emergency and that other family members can visit with ease. Discuss this with the parties involved to come up with a plan that everyone is comfortable with.
Amenities and Facilities
Finally, consider what additional things a residential care home can offer if this is the type of care you’ve decided on. What kind of social activities do they organize? Are there good fitness programs? How well kept are the grounds? Will there be the opportunity for fun things like day trips for the residents to take part in? Most facilities will offer these kinds of things, but some will provide better amenities and facilities than others. Visit a few of them and compare them to find the best one.
Choosing the right kind of senior care can be tricky, but use these tips to find the right care for you or your relative.
