The time after retirement is often referred to as the “golden years” for many senior citizens, but this part of life comes with its own issues. While growing old with a partner or with family members can be a great experience, there are many changes in daily needs and care that these individuals must anticipate. Fortunately, the elder care industry offers medical treatments, long-term care, and other services that can help all seniors maintain a high quality of life.
Are you an adult child or grandchild of a senior citizen? Here are some elder care services that you may need to provide — and others that you can take advantage of to help your loved one:
Medical Care
This is perhaps the most frequent need of today’s seniors. They may even need someone to drive them to and from medical appointments. Many sons and daughters find themselves filling this role, but there are transportation services that can accommodate these seniors instead. Some adults also find themselves making appointments for their senior parents, and these can add up monthly and even weekly. If long-term care is a necessity, it may be necessary to move your relative into a medical facility or other home, where care will be scheduled and provided for him or her.
Accessibility
As seniors age, they often lose the mobility they once had. Due to this change, an elderly person may require a walker, wheelchair, or scooter to get around. However, this isn’t the only thing that changes: sometimes home renovations are necessary, either to install wheelchair ramps or to give a senior more accessible baths, showers, and other fixtures. These home alterations can be costly, though, so if they add up, it can be better to find alternative living arrangements.
Insurance
From health insurance policies to cover medical care to life insurance to take care of loved ones, policies for seniors must be comprehensive. Health insurance is used to take care of their many medical expenses as they age. Life insurance can help elderly parents rest easy, knowing that their family members will be taken care of later on.
Senior Independent and Assisted Living Homes
If your relative wants to simplify his or her living situation, or if he or she needs around-the-clock care, there are a variety of senior living options available to meet these needs. Independent senior housing can provide a resort-like atmosphere, with home maintenance and other amenities provided by staff members; this means that residents don’t have to worry about mowing the lawn, cleaning, and, in some cases, preparing meals. Assisted living, on the other hand, can help seniors in all aspects of their day-to-day care, including help with daily activities, medical care, and transportation.
There are approximately one million seniors living in assisted living facilities in the United States, over half of whom are over the age of 85. With Baby Boomers retiring throughout the next two decades, there could eventually be up to 77 million more in need of this type of care. Sometimes, the best way of caring for your parents is to put that care in the hands of qualified professionals, so be sure to explore independent and assisted living options together.
What kinds of elder care options have you and your loved ones explored? Tell us in the comments section.