For most people, with growing old comes the inevitable need for help with self-care. If a loved one is beginning to struggle with day-to-day activities, assisting living may be a viable option for them. There are various types of assisting living facilities and services available, so it can be challenging to determine which care option is the best. The type of care option that is best for one senior may not be the best for all seniors. The option that you choose will be based on the medical and personal needs of your loved one, and their ability to take care of themselves.

In Home Care

In home care is a wonderful option for many seniors, because they can remain in their home and have the care provider come to them. Typically, certified nurse aids or home health aides will come to the senior’s home for a designated number of hours each day, or there may be shifts of in home care workers that provide care and support around the clock. Seniors that receive in home care may occasionally receive a visit from a registered nurse to monitor their health condition. Nurse aides will provide services like dressing, bathing and grooming, cooking, and cleaning.

Adult Day Care

Some seniors elect to participate in adult day care and this is a good option for when a family member can take care of the loved one in the evening and at night time, but needs help during the day. Adult day care is offered at a location away from the home, which is a drawback of this type of service for some seniors because they don’t feel like making the trip to go to an adult day care center each day. For those seniors that do, this type of care option provides them with activities for socializing and occupying their time, although most adult day cares do not offer medical care.

Retirement Communities

Retirement communities are a growing choice for those seniors who have retained most of their abilities to care for themselves, but may need assistance with activities like cleaning or laundry. Retirement communities are usually apartment complexes that are filled by other retirees, and there may be some activities that are geared toward group participation. Retirement communities are more for the aging person who is looking to downsize and move from a larger home that has become hard to take care of. There is no supervision of residents in most retirement communities.

Assisted Living Homes or Residential Care Homes

Residential care homes are for adults that are struggling with daily activities, and may be either in a facility with many suites or rooms, or in an actual home where six or more adults live, under supervision. Assisted living homes can provide your loved one with the help they need for basic tasks like personal grooming and bathing, as well as cooking, cleaning, laundry, and transportation to medical appointments and to run errands. There are private or shared rooms in most assisted living homes, and some may even have their own mini-apartments with a sitting room or breakfast nook.

Nursing Homes

Nursing homes are the ideal choice for seniors who are in ill health, have become bedridden, or need intense supervision and constant medical attention. Nursing homes may also be the best choice for those seniors who are suffering from mental debilitating illnesses like Alzheimer’s disease. Nursing homes are staffed by trained medical professionals and offer structured living that features specific meal times. There are also activities that are organized in nursing homes that allow for resident socialization. Nursing homes offer both private and shared rooms. Nursing homes provide an almost hospital-like environment, and are usually not ideal for the senior that can perform many daily living activities with just minor assistance.

Considerations to Make

When evaluating assisted living care options, you should take into account the following:

• The aging person’s wishes. Always make them a part of the decision.
• Cost. How much can they afford to pay?
• Location. Choosing a location that is close by will improve the likelihood of visits from friends and family.
• Services. Does the location offer the services that your loved one needs?

Always tour the facility that you are considering, and talk to both staff and residents when possible. This can make the decision before you easier, and give you the peace of mind that your loved one will be well cared for.