While it would be a blessing if older people never had to consider care options as they age, the truth is that if we live long enough, all of us will. There are various types of care providers that you might choose for your loved one and the choice of care provider should only be made once you have weighed all of the available options.

Needs Assessment

The decision to go with assisted living and alternative care options is likely one that you have arrived at after much soul-searching. When a loved one’s needs cannot be met in their current living situation, for whatever reason, assisted living can help them to maintain their dignity while still receiving the care that they need. Perhaps the best partner that you will have in determining the type of care that your loved one requires is his or her own physician, who can perform a needs assessment and make a recommendation of the level of care the person needs. You can also take cues from your loved one, by observing them in their everyday life. Some seniors simply need help with basic daily activities, like dressing and cleaning, while others may be not be able to much of anything for themselves.

Setting and Atmosphere

The type of care you choose will determine the setting and atmosphere of the senior’s new home. If you choose assisted living facilities, then the person will maintain much of their independence but still receive help with various needs. Nursing homes offer more intense levels of care, and are an option for seniors in failing health. Whichever type of services or facility you choose – be sure to tour the facility and make an honest assessment of what they offer. Talking to the staff and the residents of the facility will help you to better understand if a particular facility is right for them. Ask if you can stay for a meal so that you can judge the type of food your loved one will be eating. The location of the facility is important, also, because you will be traveling back and forth to visit your loved one and to check on them.

Affordability

Medicare pays none of the cost of some assisted living facilities, but does pay many of the costs of nursing home care. In addition, Medicare and Medicaid may pay the cost of some types of home health services that are offered to the elderly. Long term care insurance is very flexible when it comes to assisted living costs. Check your individual policy to see what is covered. Affordability is a big issue when it comes to continuing care options. It is important for families to realize that the costs of care will elevate when a loved one needs additional services – which means that the level of care increase will result in additional charges. Therefore, taking into consideration future needs is a vital part of financial planning for assisted living expenses.

Services Offered

The type of services offered at an assisted living facility varies widely depending on the type of facility. Depending on the level of self-care that the senior can perform, some facilities offer bathing, grooming and dressing, most all of them prepare meals for the senior, and some provide transportation for the senior to activities, shopping, errands and doctor’s appointments. For example, residential care homes, nursing homes, or board and care homes offer assistance with all daily living activities, and some independent living facilities do as well. There may also be a beauty shop or barber shop on the site for residents, typically in a nursing home, retirement community or independent living facility, while a residential group home may have a hair dresser that visits on particular days of the week. Laundry service is also offered. Check the facility to see that they have ample opportunities for your loved one to socialize and interact with others.