If you are concerned about your mom or dad's ability to care for themselves, but want to provide them as much independence as possible, supported living is an ideal choice. It is also known as assisted living and it differs from care facilities and long-term nursing homes because the focus is on independence. In comparison, nursing homes and the like will often provide full personal and medical care to individuals who are not able to take care of themselves. However, there are obviously many different supported living experiences and in order to provide the most appropriate one for your parent, it is important to know the right questions to ask.
#1 Is It Possible (And Expensive) To Add Additional Services When The Need Arises?
If your mom and dad are in good health and able to provide the bulk of their personal and housekeeping needs, arranging for someone to come in to help with housework, laundry or personal care is probably not necessary today. As they age or when their health changes, it is important to be able to add additional services on. Therefore, you will want to ask how you would go about arranging for that care. If finances are a concern, you should also determine the cost of those services and how often they can be accessed.
#2 What Dining Options Are Available?
Depending on the type of facility you choose, your parents might be able to enjoy cafeteria style food service, five star restaurant dining and everything in between. Given that more than 1/4 of all adults over the age of 65 are diabetic, it is not unusual for diabetic meals and portion sizes to be available. In addition, you will need to see how many daily meals are included in the payment to the assisted living facility.
#3 What Activities Are Available?
It is important to remember that studies suggest that active senior citizens live longer and are less prone to depression. That includes social activities and exercise, so it is a good idea to make sure that your parents have access to appropriate activities. Whether it is shopping, movies, games or something entirely different, if your loved one has access to activities they enjoy, they are likely to be happier.
In conclusion, supported living facilities are an ideal option for many senior citizens who need some help or supervision, but are still healthy enough to enjoy and benefit from their independence. By asking the above questions while choosing a facility, you can be sure that your mom or dad will be in the right supported living facility. If you'd prefer that your parent(s) receive home health care instead, contact GENACTA Home Care.
Share14 December 2015
Having a home health care worker come to your home and assist you in the care of your loved one can make an impossible situation possible. One of the most important elements of having a care worker effectively assist your family is organization and communication. The care worker coming into your home should be documenting the care that is provided each and every day and you should be documenting the care you provide when the care worker isn't around. This blog will provide you with tips for staying organized and improving the communication between you, your health care worker and your loved one's doctors.