How To Know What Kind of Elder Care Facility Your Parents Need

As we get older, we may struggle to maintain daily routines and personal hygiene. Because Americans are proud and value our independence, many seniors try to hide their declining capabilities from friends and family members, which can lead to further declines in quality of life. Research has shown that American society already has more than 12 million seniors who need an elder care facility or similar support due to their age.

Many older Americans also suffer from cognitive problems such as Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. When family members try to provide care for aging parents with memory problems, they often struggle to provide the level of support that their loved one really needs. That’s when elder care solutions can be helpful. While many senior care services provide in-home support with daily activities, medication reminders, cleaning, and bathing, those with dementia often require more intensive support.

Family Caregivers Often Struggle To Offer Enough Support

Eventually, family caregivers may find themselves at a crossroads, unsure how to provide the care that their aging parents deserve. Acting as a part- or full-time caregiver for aging relatives can be extremely stressful — there are even support groups for these family caregivers. Caring for seniors, especially those suffering from dementia, is no easy task. You must be available anytime you are required, which often means putting other parts of your life on hold. Research has shown that by 2050, more than 20 million Americans will require elder care services. Fortunately, there is now a constellation of elder care services available to provide support. But how do you know if your loved one needs a residential elder care facility, in home care for seniors with dementia, or something else entirely?

Choosing The Right Elder Care Solution

Before selecting an elder care facility for your parents, it’s important to understand all of your options. Because there are millions of older Americans in need of support, there are thousands of assisted living facilities, full-time nursing homes, retirement communities, and in home care services.

For seniors who are still fully capable of caring for themselves, a more traditional retirement community may be the right choice. If your parents do need some assistance, then an assisted living facility may be more appropriate for their needs. The elder care facility you choose should be equipped to provide the services and medical care your parents require. Finally, there are also in home senior care services available to you.

At the most basic level, senior care involves caregivers who regularly visit aging Americans in their home. They may assist with intimate needs such as bathing, dressing, and going to the bathroom. They may also help maintain a positive quality of life through cleaning, transportation, and companionship. However, there are also in home care services for people with dementia, which may involve more medical care.

If you aren’t sure what elder care solutions are right for your family’s needs, then you may benefit from consulting with elder care planning services. Elder care services like Care Navigators work closely with assisted living facilities, senior caregivers, dementia experts, and other healthcare providers. Our professional patient care advocates advise families when it comes to selecting an elder care facility or in home caregiver.

Unfortunately, when it comes to caring for aging loved ones, too many families try to go it alone. Instead, don’t hesitate to ask for help! Elder care services and patient care advocates can help you find the perfect solution for your family’s needs.