Choosing a facility for your aging parent, friend or family member can be a vast responsibly. The longer and elderly person can stay independent the better, but there comes a time in their lives that they will need special care and attention that can only be provided by a caregiver or an assisted living facility.
Caregivers are normally a first option as this will allow the person to stay in his or her own home or that of a family member or friend. Unfortunately caregivers are an expensive option and it is not affordable for many older people or their families.
The next option is to look at a care facility that will be able to meet the needs of the person.
Assisted care is less intensive than nursing home care, where licensed nurses are required staff.
In assisted care the elderly person will have an own room, studio or apartment. They will also have access to certain services, such as meals, social and wellness activities. If they need help with daily tasks such as bathing, getting dressed or combing hair there will be people to help with that.
Many assisted living facilities have libraries, swimming pools, small shops, hairdressers and other services that will allow the elderly very much the same living conditions they had while living in their own home.
It is very important to allow the elderly person to be part of the decision making. Remember what they need and what you think they need are not always the same. They might prefer a smaller place with less people even if it is not as smart and luxurious as other bigger facilities. They might want to go to a place where they already know people or have friends or family members living.
Seek advice from doctors, spiritual leaders or family and friends in the same situation.
Take the elderly person's medical condition into consideration. Make sure emergency medical services are close by and available. Living somewhere in the country, close to friends or family, might not be such a good idea if these services are not available.
Affordability is also a main consideration. If the elderly person doesn't have the means to pay for this facility you should find out if there are grants available or if an affluent friend or family member can maybe assist.
Some of the services provided at facilities maybe excluded from the given price. Be sure you know exactly what is included and what extra fees will come to.
Making the right choice will ensure many happy years to come for your elderly loved one.
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