Most people would rather live in their own homes than in a nursing home. It is difficult to move from the family you love and familiar surroundings to live in what is basically a hospital environment. Though it can be difficult, there are loving alternatives to nursing home care. But the family should not be discouraged, the seniors and veterans looking for comfort can find it in elderly communities and professionally run nursing homes.
Elder Care has progressed over the last few decades. A number of these elder care homes are now known as assisted living facilities, and many are equipped with more programs than what earlier retirement homes offered. Nevertheless, with a more fancy facility comes a steeper price tag, and for many middle-class families, these kinds of homes can be out of their reach financially.
Possibly a family member has been helping out doing his shopping and other tasks but he is finding when their loved one comes to help there is no time for a visit. He wants to remain independent, but realizes he requires assistance. This person would benefit from having a home care worker.
If a person is able to transfer in and out of bed, wheelchairs, beds, and cars, with minimal assistance, then the physical demands for care might be met by family members. Another option is to hire a caregiver to take night shifts so the family can sleep. Keep in mind that some equipment for home care is covered by insurance, but other very expensive items, such as adult diapers or incontinence supplies are not. These items are costly, but go a long way to reducing home laundry duties.
Some facilities allow overnight apartment visits for grandchildren, for example. But ultimately, when first leaving the hospital, discuss all options with the experts. And, if you are middle age, do plan for these future events with your family now, so that you can avoid the worst surprises later. Assisted living is not cheap. Discussing finances is not the easiest thing to do, but necessary. Do the folks have life insurance policies, savings bonds, a house that they are willing to sell, a safety deposit box that has treasures?
Let's talk about a man in his early 80's, living alone with arthritis. This person may find that he could use a little assistance with the housekeeping as it has become very difficult to carry that heavy vacuum up and down the stairs and changing their bed. They may require only a few hours a week to complete these tasks and then be able to cope themselves with everything else.
My advice is to do your homework sooner rather than later. It's never too early to start to search out a few agencies or facilities, find ones you are comfortable with and start building a relationship with them. You can even arrange a visit for you and/or your parents to a facility or have someone come to your home for an assessment. This way, if an emergency occurs, you'll be reaching out to people you are comfortable with and are familiar with your loved one and their situation.
Just because you are sending your parents to a retirement community does not mean you are abandoning them. It is highly recommended that you choose a retirement community not too distant from your own home. This will allow you to visit your parents every now and then. You can consider choosing continuing care retirement communities where healthcare is readily available.
Elder Care has progressed over the last few decades. A number of these elder care homes are now known as assisted living facilities, and many are equipped with more programs than what earlier retirement homes offered. Nevertheless, with a more fancy facility comes a steeper price tag, and for many middle-class families, these kinds of homes can be out of their reach financially.
Possibly a family member has been helping out doing his shopping and other tasks but he is finding when their loved one comes to help there is no time for a visit. He wants to remain independent, but realizes he requires assistance. This person would benefit from having a home care worker.
If a person is able to transfer in and out of bed, wheelchairs, beds, and cars, with minimal assistance, then the physical demands for care might be met by family members. Another option is to hire a caregiver to take night shifts so the family can sleep. Keep in mind that some equipment for home care is covered by insurance, but other very expensive items, such as adult diapers or incontinence supplies are not. These items are costly, but go a long way to reducing home laundry duties.
Some facilities allow overnight apartment visits for grandchildren, for example. But ultimately, when first leaving the hospital, discuss all options with the experts. And, if you are middle age, do plan for these future events with your family now, so that you can avoid the worst surprises later. Assisted living is not cheap. Discussing finances is not the easiest thing to do, but necessary. Do the folks have life insurance policies, savings bonds, a house that they are willing to sell, a safety deposit box that has treasures?
Let's talk about a man in his early 80's, living alone with arthritis. This person may find that he could use a little assistance with the housekeeping as it has become very difficult to carry that heavy vacuum up and down the stairs and changing their bed. They may require only a few hours a week to complete these tasks and then be able to cope themselves with everything else.
My advice is to do your homework sooner rather than later. It's never too early to start to search out a few agencies or facilities, find ones you are comfortable with and start building a relationship with them. You can even arrange a visit for you and/or your parents to a facility or have someone come to your home for an assessment. This way, if an emergency occurs, you'll be reaching out to people you are comfortable with and are familiar with your loved one and their situation.
Just because you are sending your parents to a retirement community does not mean you are abandoning them. It is highly recommended that you choose a retirement community not too distant from your own home. This will allow you to visit your parents every now and then. You can consider choosing continuing care retirement communities where healthcare is readily available.
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