In the US, people are generally living longer; but that doesn’t mean they’re healthier. With the combination of age-related ailments, and the aging population, the number of adult children needing to care for their elderly parents is increasing significantly year on year.
But when life gets a little more difficult, and seniors need more specialist care, the world can seem to have a million and one different answers, which all jumble together to make the path very unclear. Here is a guide to caring for elderly relatives, to give you all the information you might need.
Care options for the elderly
The level of mobility and independence of your elderly relatives will help you determine the care they need. Chesapeake Manor assisted living, for example, is great for people who are still able to enjoy their own freedom, but who struggle with keeping a healthy diet, shopping, and other day-to-day tasks.
There’s also the option for in-home care, if the family can afford a support nurse. The important point to remember is that while becoming a full-time caregiver to your parents feels like the right path to take as a child, you need to focus on your health as well as theirs. There are plenty of care options available to carry the burden so that you can maintain a family dynamic.
Home care
Understandably, some people will want to stay at home for as long as possible, and the idea of moving from the family home can be scary. Home care is one option that will ensure your relative can stay at home, while giving you peace of mind that they’re safe and supported. In-home caregivers will help with a variety of tasks, from shopping to bathing and cooking.
Live-in care
While a home care set up will involve a nurse regularly checking in on your relative, there is also the option to hire live in care, so they are supervised 24/7. This has becoming an increasingly popular choice for those who would otherwise need to be in a care home. They’ll receive specialized one-on-one care, and they will also benefit from the companionship.
Residential care
Finally, there are residential care homes. This isn’t a popular choice for most people, but it can sometimes be necessary. With certain illnesses and disease, the family home may not be suitable, and a more specialist care service may be required. Care homes offer a comfortable place for elderly people to live in the company of other residents. They are built to suit the specific needs of the residents, making them a great place to help everyone in the family feel safe and supported.
When approaching the topic of care, it’s important to make sure your parent or relative is involved in any decisions. After all, this will significantly impact their life. By starting the conversation early—before care is actually needed—you’ll have the opportunity to research all the options available to you and find the best fit.
The Editorial Team at Healthcare Business Today is made up of skilled healthcare writers and experts, led by our managing editor, Daniel Casciato, who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We offer readers access to fresh health, medicine, science, and technology developments and the latest in patient news, emphasizing how these developments affect our lives.
