Making the decision to place a loved one into an assisted living home can be difficult, but it doesn’t have to be. Part of the problem that many adults face, however, is where to find different senior care options. Depending on what you or a family member may need, you might think that you have to travel to find dependable care. Many times, though, local care for seniors can be available, with several alternatives that focus on individual treatments rather than a “one size fits all” approach to senior living.
So what are the senior living options most commonly available? While they vary depending upon location, many of them deal with the types of living situations that seniors need. While some prefer senior independent living, so they can come and go as they please, others need more attentive care in assisted living facilities. In fact, as many as 40% of seniors in senior living require assistance with three or more daily activities, such as eating, dressing, bathing, taking medication, walking, or going to medical appointments.
When it comes to assisted living, there are many different types of care to consider. Memory care is common in senior living communities: there are often staff who specialize in treating dementia, Alzheimer’s, and other conditions that may affect a senior’s memory. These types of chronic conditions, along with others such as high blood pressure and diabetes, are common in seniors, and approximately 75% of seniors live with two or more of these conditions, according to the CDC.
Local care for seniors tends to be a better option for families that live nearby. Leaving a loved one in a far away nursing home can be challenging, and it can make family visits more difficult. This sort of isolation can also have negative effects on a senior’s health. For this reason alone, local care for seniors in your family is often a far better option.
If you have questions about your local senior care options, be sure to visit the centers near you. Assisted living facilities and senior independent living communities are increasingly in popularity, with a projected population of 27 million Americans in long-term care by 2050. If you’ve placed an elderly member of your family into long-term care and have suggestions, or if you have questions about the process, leave a comment below. Read more: seniorlivinghomeguide.org
