Elderly Care - Choosing the Right Option
As people grow older, the need for elderly care grows with them.elderly care The care may be provided by family members, paid helpers, or professional health care practitioners. Care can take place in the home or in a formal care setting, such as an assisted living facility, nursing home, or hospice.
Elderly care is often unplanned and, at the time of need, families and individuals are often faced with difficult decisions that require significant financial commitments. In addition to deciding how and when to pay for the care, families must also consider the level of medical attention needed by their loved one and what type of services might be most appropriate for their situation. In many cases, family members are the primary caregivers and they must balance these competing demands while juggling their own personal and work life.
Caregivers who assist an elderly person may provide non-medical care and/or support with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, shopping, meal preparation and transportation to doctor’s appointments. They can also help with medication, double-check that prescribed medications are being taken regularly and report any changes in the elderly person’s condition to a physician. A caregiver can also be helpful by reminding a senior to make medical appointments, confirming that they will attend and keeping track of the dates of those visits.
Those with more complex medical needs, including dementia and other conditions that can cause a decline in cognitive function or mobility issues, can often benefit from the kind of elderly care provided by a nurse or health care practitioner. These professionals can also help arrange and monitor a care plan, educate patients and family members about the condition and related treatments, and make recommendations for additional health and social care services that might improve their quality of life.
When selecting an elder care option, it is important to visit the prospective care facility in person. It is best to tour several options and talk to staff and residents in order to gain a better understanding of the level of service offered. Questions to ask include:
How long have the director and heads of the nursing, food, and social services departments worked at the facility? Are there enough health care providers on-site to meet the scheduled and unscheduled needs of the elderly residents? Is a doctor available to visit the residents on a regular basis?
It is also useful to talk with friends, colleagues and family members who have experience with particular elderly care facilities. They may be able to recommend places that offer what the individual is looking for, such as amenities, housing layouts, and meals. Other options might be to speak with local health care professionals or religious groups who are familiar with the community. Trained negotiators can also be an invaluable resource in navigating the complex financial and emotional challenges of arranging and paying for elderly care. They can help negotiate the often-hidden costs of care and ensure that any agreements are understood by all involved.