A guide to help families select a senior care for a loved one
Seniors may need extra help. When they do, families must know which type of help best meets their needs. With many options offered, knowing which to choose can be confusing. In addition, they may have questions about how often care is needed and how they will pay for it. Countless families struggle with these decisions because they lack information. That needs to change. The following guide provides an overview of what families must consider when choosing.
Care services
Some seniors need limited help. Their families want to know they are okay, so they need a personal device to alert people if they require help. Other individuals require more care, and knowing which type of care is necessary. Companion care provides non-medical services. The caregiver may run errands, cook, and clean for the client. Help might also be required with personal hygiene tasks.
Other individuals need more care. They may require skilled nursing care after an illness or injury, and home health services are ideal for these men and women. A registered or licensed practical nurse provides skilled medical services to seniors. St. Andrew’s at New Florence provides this type of assistance.
On the other hand, a family might not like leaving their loved one home alone during the day while they work. A senior center is perfect for these families, as their loved ones can spend their days surrounded by their peers engaging in activities. They return home with family members every evening.
Respite care is for caregivers who need a short break from their duties. It reduces the risk of caregiver burnout and strains the relationship between the senior and this individual. Hospice care is reserved for those with a limited life expectancy. The provider works to keep the individual comfortable in their final days.
How often is care needed?
Once the family selects a care option, they need to know how often this care will be required. Some people visit a senior center every day while their loved ones work, while other men and women only need help once or twice a week. Evaluate the loved one’s physical and mental condition and consider their daily routine. Some people may benefit from a phone call, while others need in-person visits.
Many families rely on technology today. A monitor service, medical alert system, or personal emergency response system may be put in place to ensure they know how their loved one is doing. With this system or service, the seniors can maintain their independence while providing the family with peace of mind. They know the senior is safe, and help is available if that changes.
Paying for senior care
Families often worry about how they will pay for care for their elderly relatives. This problem affects many families today as they struggle to pay their bills and provide for their aging loved ones. Researching the cost of each option will help them narrow the choices, but families must also learn about funding options.
Many people turn to the Genworth Cost of Care Survey to learn more about these costs based on the setting location and the care needed. With this information, they can research funding sources, such as Pension with Aid and Attendance for U.S. veterans and their spouses. Families may pay out of pocket, turn to Medicaid for help, or use long-term care insurance the senior has purchased for this purpose.
Seniors need the highest quality of life in their final days on earth. The proper care will ensure they make the most of each moment, so choose carefully. Families who do so see their loved ones thrive, which gives them peace of mind. They know they are doing everything possible to repay these individuals for all they have done in the past.
