Your parents were there for you before you could walk or speak a word. They are getting older now and need your help. Although they may not be as fragile and helpless as when you were a newborn, you can see signs of decline. Your father moves with uncertain steps. Your mother forgets that she has to pay her bill. They find simple, everyday tasks frustrating and exhausting. Your “normal” is becoming overwhelming. When this happens, you need to consider if they should move into an assisted living facility.
Your aging parent deserves the best, but how do you get there? How can you provide the best care for your mom without losing her dignity? How can you support your dad to live as independently and fully as possible even as his abilities decline?
Assisted Living and Other Options For Seniors
They can get care in different places. The entire range of home health care services can be provided, including assistance with daily activities (meals, laundry and bill paying), personal care (bathing, dressing, medication administration), physical and occupational therapy, skilled nursing care, for those who require 24-hour assistance, such as:
Private homes: This is the most convenient option for seniors who wish to age in familiar surroundings. You may have to provide in-home care to address the changing needs of your parents. This will help them live as independently and safely as possible.
Independent communities/senior living: This is a great option for active and fit seniors who are looking to downsize. Senior living communities are also called retirement communities, senior housing, and senior living. However, they do not typically offer nursing care. Many of them have links to assisted living or nursing care facilities (see below). Independent living communities offer care services through a home care provider for residents who require extra assistance. These communities offer a social life that includes other retired people, as well as a variety of activities such as exercise, lectures, concerts, movies, and trips to keep residents stimulated and engaged.
Assisted living communities are for seniors who require some assistance. This option offers private rooms and apartments in a long-term senior housing community. Many support services include meals, medication management, dressing and transportation. Independent providers can also provide additional home care services, just like in retirement communities. Assisted living homes in Myrtle Beach often offer many opportunities for social interaction and programs to keep brain and body active.
Nursing homes: These facilities are for those who have a serious illness or disability. They provide 24 hour monitoring and medical assistance. Patients in nursing homes often have chronic or degenerative conditions such as dementia, respiratory disease, cardiac problems, and other diseases. However, some residents are able to return home after undergoing hip fractures and infections. They may also be able transition to home care. A variety of activities are offered by many nursing homes to accommodate residents’ cognitive and physical abilities.
No matter where your parents live, they will be able to receive the best senior care possible. A combination of factors, including personal temperaments, financial resources, and health care needs, will determine the best solution. Talk to your parents about what they want and need. Ask your parents (and you):
- What amount of assistance do they require?
- What are their strategies for dealing with change and transitions? Are they more excited by change or are they bothered?
- Are they content to live in their homes? Will downsizing make their life easier?
- Are they close to their neighbors? Do they have strong community roots? Will they find new friends in a new place?
These answers will allow you to make the right decision for them and for yourself.
Call Reflections Assisted Living at Carolina Forest now and let us provide your loved one with the best care possible.
Reflections Assisted Living at Carolina Forest
219 Middleburg Dr
Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
(843) 903-0700
https://www.reflectionsassistedliving.com/