RESIDENTIAL CARE
Categorized by the level of care needed, residential care includes retirement centers, assisted-living facilities and nursing homes. To make the right choice for your loved one, you’ll want to match the particular type of housing to their needs, wants, and personality. Below is an explanation of the residential care options you might choose from.
• Retirement Centers
Retirement Centers serve seniors who are used to living an active, independent lifestyle, and are in good health. Many retirement centers offer social interaction, recreational activities, transportation, shopping excursions, spiritual and faith-based programs, and personal care services.
• Assisted Living
Assisted Living facilities are set up to provide the senior resident with a comfortable apartment where they can live independently. They usually have access to services that help with personal care, meals, medication management, transportation, housekeeping, and their personal safety.
• Nursing Homes
Nursing Homes provide 24-hour long term care for seniors, or short term care for individuals who have been hospitalized and need rehabilitation before returning home. They can also provide specialty care for individuals with physcial or neurological disabilities. Nursing homes generally provide help with personal care, such as eating, dressing, and other personal hygeine needs.
• Memory & Specialized Care
Specialized care facilities deal with seniors who have issues with memory loss, difficulty performing certain tasks, language problems, time & place disorientation, poor or decreased judgement, problems with thinking or misplacing things, or issues with personality, mood or behavior. These can be associated with Dementia or other forms of Alzheimer’s. Staff are trained to deal with providing these seniors with fully supportive, 24 hour care and supervision.
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Steps in the Process
Once a decision has been reached that your loved one needs new living arrangements, you and your family need to evaluate what is best for them. Here are some tips to help you along:
• First, determine the level of care your loved one needs. This is the senior’s individual health practitioner or facility that makes the determination.
• Be sure to visit several different residences. They can vary greatly.
• When you take your tour, be sure to talk to residents, staff, and other visiting families.
• Ask staff members how long they’ve worked there. Low turnover is an indicator of quality.
• Check with the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities to find out which residences are accredited.
• Ask about costs and any other details about financial arrangements.
• Be sure to include your loved one in this decision. Ask about what is important to him or her as you narrow your options.
