Making the decision to place an older relative in an independent or assisted living home can be difficult on you and your family. Elderly relatives may not think that they need help and care, but when they have trouble with daily activities or need 24-hour medical attention, it may be time to consider the senior care options that are available.
Aging can make even daily tasks difficult for seniors living on their own; approximately 40% of them require help with three or more daily activities, such as dressing, eating, or taking medication. If you have an elderly relative who needs this type of care, he or she may need to join the one million or more seniors who take advantage of local elder care options.
Homes that provide local care for seniors have plenty of advantages. While many adult children may think that sending Mom and/or Dad off to an assisted living facility means they’ll be far away, it doesn’t have to be that way. Choosing local care for seniors in your family means that they’ll be close by to visit at any time, and in some cases, this option can help seniors retain some of the independence they’d previously enjoyed.
Visiting your loved ones in senior living communities is important — for their well-being and your own. Having family members and friends visit can help seniors stay positive, and it gives you and them something to look forward to. Independent and assisted living communities both allow for visitors whenever possible, so you won’t have to worry about losing touch with your loved ones.
Local care for seniors ensures that your relative can enjoy the area that he or she is familiar with. Even though life in a senior community isn’t the same as aging in place at home, staying local can give seniors the opportunity to enjoy the same town or city that they’ve grown familiar with.
Alzheimer’s and other dementias are among the most common conditions that seniors today face. Keeping your family members local may help the transition from independent housing to assisted living, so the process won’t be too disorienting. Many homes also offer memory care for seniors, so you can rest easy knowing that your parent or other relative will be safe.
If you have questions about local care for your senior relatives, speak with representatives from your local senior homes. Visit the communities around you with your loved one to find the best fit for him or her. If you have other concerns, find resources online that can help. You can also leave a comment below.