As your senior loved one ages and you begin to notice the ways they need extra assistance, you might be considering how you can best support them. From aging in place to in-home aides and assisted living communities, there are several types of senior care to consider.
Beginning the conversations about assistance with your senior loved one early on will make the transition simpler for all involved. These conversations might not always be easy, but knowing what our loved ones desire as they age is important to providing them the quality of life they need to thrive.
Read on to discover the various types of senior care and how they can suit your loved one’s needs.
When aging in place is possible
Our senior loved ones often desire aging in place, or independent living. This is understandable, considering many of us imagine living in our homes for the rest of our lives. But it’s not always possible.
When discussing aging in place with senior loved ones, be understanding and compassionate. There are many ways to accommodate independent living, depending on the health of your loved one.
Here are some considerations for senior care options:
- Can your loved one move around the home well?
- Do they remember to take medications on their own?
- Can they run simple errands, or call for assistance?
- Can they perform household duties?
- Are they able to prepare their own meals?
- Can they use the bathroom without assistance?
- Do they have good hygiene practices?
If they are able to perform these tasks, there might be ways you and your family can support them to help them remain in their home. Making adjustments such as adding railings around the home and in the bathroom, ensuring adequate lighting, and encouraging a clean, clutter-free lifestyle can help.
Having friends or family check in regularly and help with housework, yardwork, and shoveling and salting sidewalks during winter is essential. If friendly assistance with daily tasks isn’t available, you can encourage senior loved ones to hire home aides or housekeepers to keep up on chores.
When senior loved ones need assistance
If your loved one is beginning to require more assistance with daily tasks, they can hire additional in-home help or move in with a close family member. Personal care attendants or nursing assistants can monitor your loved one’s health and assist with bathing, dressing, and using the bathroom.
Adult day programs and independent living communities can offer social activities, and some programs provide basic medical or therapy services. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, much more precaution must be taken when it comes to the different types of senior care resources available, so these independent resources may be more limited.
If you believe the best course of action for a senior loved one is to have them move in with a close family member, make sure they will be safe and have their own space away from the rest of the household. For example, if a caregiver or someone else in the home becomes sick, how will your loved ones be kept safe and continue receiving care? Make sure you have a safety plan when taking on more tasks to help a loved one.
When an assisted living community is the best choice
If you decide that it’s too difficult to keep your senior loved one safe and healthy either in their own home or living with family, the next option to consider is an assisted living community.
At an assisted living community, there are many senior care options. From memory care and special health needs, to enriching daily life, these communities offer around-the-clock care and attention to residents. Plus, they will follow strict requirements issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and local health departments during the coronavirus pandemic.
Assisted living shouldn’t be viewed as a last resort or final option for seniors. In many cases, choosing the right community means offering a safe, beautiful place for them to age in place while making sure every need is met and every concern is quickly addressed.
It’s an opportunity for social and personal activities and growth, and a way to provide purpose and joy to senior loved ones.
How The Kensington provides enhanced senior care options
The Kensington promises to love and care for your family as we do our own. This means we create real relationships with your loved ones along with providing them the highest quality care. We know the decision to move your loved one to an assisted living community is not one that is taken lightly, which is why our care services are so comprehensive.
With the option of five luxury suite floor plans, your senior loved one will feel right at home. Two floors at The Kensington are specifically designed for residents requiring specialized memory care, and the dining services always include any nutrition requirements your loved one needs.
Life enrichment during the coronavirus pandemic has been altered to create the safest environment for residents, and our team is still dedicated to ensuring your loved ones will get the most out of these activities. Especially during difficult times, helping our loved ones feel joy and purpose is a top priority.
Please reach out to us today so we can tell you more about what makes The Kensington different. We want to help you feel comfortable and confident with your decision every step of the way.
Further Reading:
To learn more about our exceptional assisted living and memory care at The Kensington White Plains, click below or give us a call today for any questions. We promise to love and care for your family, as we do our own.
Additional Recommended Reading:
- How Can One Caregiver Support a Senior Couple?
- Engaging with Senior Family Members This Holiday Season while Social Distancing
- Addressing Senior Fall Risk Before Seeking Emergency Care