Housing Options to Consider When Your Elderly Loved One Can’t Live Alone Anymore
When your elderly loved one can no longer live by themselves, you have to consider an alternative housing option for them. This is important, as most elderly people often deal with health or mobility conditions and need assistance to perform tasks. There are many options you can look into depending on the needs of the older adult in your family. To help you narrow things down, below are a few options you can look into.
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In-Law Apartment
An in-law apartment is an economical housing option for your aging relative instead of paying for a senior living facility. It allows you to check in on your loved ones daily while still giving them their privacy. Also, the transition will not be difficult when they realize they will still be closer to family yet have their own space.
Taking care of your elderly loved ones when they are nearer is much easier than if they are staying far away. For instance, while you may be required to visit a doctor at least once a year, an elderly person may have to visit at least twice or thrice a year. When they are near you, you can help them keep up with these appointments. It is also easier to get them what they need, including groceries and medication.
Independent Living Facility
Independent living facilities are homes designed for active seniors. You can either buy or rent one of these units and furnish the house according to the needs of your loved one. These facilities usually offer other services, like laundry, housekeeping, transportation, fitness centers, 24-hour security, and community centers. Most residents in independent living facilities can still perform daily tasks like taking medicine, bathing, dressing, and cooking. This option is ideal for older adults who feel lonely by themselves and would enjoy community living with other residents.
Assisted Living Facility
These facilities are ideal for a senior adult who needs assistance in performing various tasks like bathing and getting dressed. They serve three meals daily in a standard dining room, do laundry, help with medication, and do general housekeeping. While this may sound like the place for your elderly loved one, sometimes it is hard to find a place that suits the needs of your senior adult.
For assistance, approach a senior housing expert. In fact, about 78% of recent property buyers found that a real estate agent is a beneficial source of information when looking for a property. Inform the agent of your needs regarding location, budget, and lifestyle, and they will help you find a place.
Continuing Care Retirement Community
Continuing care retirement communities (CCRC) are partly assisted living, partly skilled nursing facilities, and partly independent living. These facilities offer different services depending on one’s needs. Therefore, you and your loved one can decide what is best for them at the moment, but if their needs change, they move to a residence offering more assistance. While services vary, most of these facilities offer housekeeping, laundry, 24-hour security, and home maintenance.
Nursing Home
Nursing homes provide services to seniors requiring full-time supervised care. These facilities have nurses and other health professionals offering medical services 24 hours a day. Residents in a nursing home receive services like eating, bathing, dressing, toileting, and therapy. A nursing home can be costly, so it is better to check that the facility you are choosing has met Medicare certification standards.
Medicare is a federal health insurance program for individuals aged 65 and above. However, certain young people can qualify as well, including people with disabilities or with End-Stage Renal Disease. This will help bring costs down, ensuring that your loved one gets the help they need. Also, a senior can stay here temporarily as they recover from a fall, surgery, or another health condition.
The transition from one’s home to a senior living community is often challenging. It brings up lots of emotions for both the aging adults and their family members. To help ease the transition, ensure your loved one takes the lead. Explain how they would benefit from these options, and ultimately make a decision that’ll work for everyone in your family.
