Seeing our aging parents struggle with caring for themselves or their homes can be challenging. As adult children, we often have to make tough decisions about the kind of help our loved ones need and where they can live comfortably and safely.
There are different options to consider, such as home care or assisted living, and it's important to weigh the pros and cons of each before making a decision. Ultimately, the goal is to provide our aging loved ones with the best possible care and support during this stage of their lives.
While some seniors with serious medical conditions require the specialized care provided by a nursing home, the decision usually boils down to choosing between home care in Suffolk and an assisted living facility. Since nearly nine out of ten seniors prefer to stay and age in a familiar environment, home care is often the top choice.
Home Care-
Consider an in-home personal caregiver for a variety of reasons, including:
Your loved one wants to stay home but needs some assistance.
A caregiver can help with meal preparation, housework, and laundry while still preserving as much independence for your loved one as possible.
Your loved one is lonely or isolated.
A caregiver can assist your loved one in traveling outside the house and provide companionship and stimulating activities.
Your loved one has dementia.
Living in familiar surroundings is essential to the mental health of older adults with memory issues. But it could be extremely difficult for them to move to a new facility with new people and a different schedule.
Your loved one is experiencing a health or mobility issue.
A trained caregiver can safely and efficiently manage many health and mobility concerns at home. They will offer needed support with exercise, safety assessments, medication reminders, fall prevention programs, and other forms of assistance.
They require various types of care.
If an elderly family member has different care needs, they may be separated in a care facility, making them very upset. Alternatively, if one parent takes care of the other, they may require more help on later days. Professional caregivers can provide personalized care in each situation to help your parents stay home for as long as they want.
You need a break because you've been the primary caregiver.
Professional caregivers offer respite care to give you a break from your caregiving duties and prevent exhaustion. They can expertly step in and take over while you focus on your other responsibilities. Respite care can be scheduled for a few hours each week or for a more extended period, like when you go on vacation.
Assisted Living-
There are various situations where an assisted living facility may be the best choice, such as:
Your loved one requests it:
When older people choose to live in the same place as they age, they usually prefer staying in their own homes because they are familiar and comfortable. However, some seniors decide to move to a smaller place and get rid of some of their things, starting a new chapter in a different location. Assisted living facilities offer a great solution for this.
These facilities usually have small apartments, like studios, one-bedroom units, or two-bedroom units, which are much smaller than a regular house. The smaller size makes it easier to take care of everyday tasks and keep things organized, and the staff at the facility takes care of outdoor chores. This transition can be a good choice for seniors who want a change and a simpler lifestyle as they grow older.
Additional hobbies and social opportunities would be beneficial for your loved one.
If your loved one craves social engagement and thrives on a vibrant and active lifestyle, considering assisted living facilities could be highly beneficial for them. These facilities often provide a plethora of social activities and outings tailored to cater to the diverse interests of their residents.
From group exercises and games to arts and crafts sessions and community events, there is always something exciting happening within the community. By immersing themselves in these extra activities and social offerings, your loved one can enjoy ample opportunities for interaction, forge new friendships, and maintain an enriching and fulfilling lifestyle.
You worry that your elderly parent may soon require more care.
Realizing that your elderly parent may need more help soon can be tough. But thinking about a place where they can move, like an assisted living facility that provides both normal and 24-hour nursing care, can be a good solution for their changing needs.
This choice becomes even better if you live far away and would have trouble handling your medical issues from a distance. By picking an assisted living facility offering all-around care, you can ensure your loved one gets the help and attention they need, even as their needs change.
Before you decide-
If you want to know what services are available in your area, when they are available, and how much they cost, do some research. Try to fulfill your loved ones' wishes as much as you can, as long as it doesn't compromise their safety.
If you're unsure, you can try Joyful Home Care, which offers around-the-clock home care services in Suffolk. So, it's simple and safe to find out if in-home care is right for your family. Visit their website for more information about their services.
