Senior Care Options: Making The Right Choice When It Matters Most
- Daniel Sabin
- Nov 11, 2023
- 4 min read
Caring for aging parents is a noble but often overwhelming duty. As discussed in the previous blog, it is important (and possible) to find balance between caregiving and the rest of your life. Done right, this opportunity has the potential to be transformative for your aging loved one and your entire family. The key is to understand that you don’t have to do it alone and seek the right help.
The Journey You Are On
Let’s start with understanding a simple fact: This part of your life will be transformative.
Whether that transformation is as wonderful as it should be is 100% up to you. Even in the hardest moments of this journey, love and care will leave an impact that will last a lifetime, perhaps for generations to come. What could stand in the way? The stress, anxiety, and uncertainty of trying to do it alone.
There are options for senior care, and we will discuss those in a moment.
Before we do, I want you to think about life. Ponder this questions:
What do you want your parent’s (s’) end-of-life to look like?
What do you want your life to look like for the remainder of your time with them?
And what about life for your other loved ones?
What do you want them to take away from this period of their lives?
Lastly, when you look back to this period of your life, how do you want to feel about this time?
No one can answer these questions but you. However, you, your parent(s), and the rest of your family deserve the best possible experience from this journey.
Strengthened bonds, the importance of family, the value of life, and memories you will cherish forever. Making the right choices can help ensure these and more. So, let’s explore your options.
Senior Care Options
Nursing Homes
This option is for seniors whose health demands around the clock treatment and monitoring. They have trained medical staff that includes Registered Nurses (RNs), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), and Certified Nurse Aides (CNAs). If your parent requires a high level of care, a nursing home may be what you need. There needs to be careful consideration of their medical needs and your ability to meet them.
While medical care is vital, a nursing home also includes a loss of independence, a loss of home, and a separation from family life. With staffing issues and high demands, the quality of care and attention one receives can be less than ideal and varies greatly from facility to facility. Thorough research should be done before picking a home and frequent visits should be made once your loved one is there.
If you are concerned about the level of medical treatment your elderly parent requires, but want to keep them at home, please contact us to discuss alternative options.
Assisted Living Facilities
Assisted living facilities are similar to nursing homes in many areas with the big differences being the level of care required by residents, the staff to resident ratio, and the education and training requirements of the staff.
Residents of assisted living facilities don’t require around the clock medical care and staff are usually more focused on Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). These include things like bathing, eating, getting dressed, and medication management.
The staff to resident ratio for assisted living facilities is around 8:1 during the day and 15:1 during the night, but most states do not have specific regulations in place and many facilities are struggling with staffing issues. This often means that residents in assisted living facilities struggle even more in terms of adequate care and attention from staff.
The training, education, and experience required for staff at these facilities varies based on the management of the facility, but often the bar is set low. This compounds the issues that stem from the staff to resident ratio.
If you need help in caring for your aging parent, there are better options.
In-Home Care
In-home care is the ideal solution for your aging loved one who prefers to age in place and maintain their independence while receiving necessary care and support services at home. Caregivers can provide:
Personal care, such as bathing, dressing, and grooming
Medication assistance
Light housekeeping
Meal preparation
Transportation
And other care depending on your loved ones needs.
One key benefit of in-home care is the 1:1 ratio… it is just the caregiver and the client, meaning your parent(s) will get the attention they need without having to wait. This also allows for a deeper, more compassionate relationship between the caregiver and client.
Finding the right caregiver is a vital part of this process, which is something that sets iCare Home Care Services apart from other home care agencies.
Before we get into that, let’s discuss how this option benefits everyone.
The Positive Impact of In-Home Care for Everyone
Positive Changes for Your Elderly Parents:
By choosing in-home care, your aging parents can continue to live in the comfort of their own home, surrounded by familiar surroundings and cherished memories. Their physical and emotional well-being often experiences a remarkable boost, leading to a happier and more fulfilling life in their golden years.
Positive Changes for You:
The impact extends beyond the elderly parents. As primary caregivers, you'll find a newfound sense of relief and freedom. Your personal life, career, and overall well-being can flourish when you're not overwhelmed by caregiving duties. You will be able to be fully present in all areas of your life, knowing that your parent is in good hands.
A Ripple Effect:
The transformation doesn't stop there. Your decision to provide professional in-home care for your elderly parents can also positively affect the extended family. Siblings, if any, can have peace of mind knowing their parents are well cared for. Grandchildren can continue to make treasured memories with visits to grandma’s and/or grandpa’s house.
The iCare Caregiver Pairing Process
At iCare Home Care Services, we understand the need required to help seniors thrive as they age. We also understand profound impact in-home senior care can have on the whole family. That's why we work hard providing compassionate, professional care that enriches the lives of both seniors and their families.
We use a process that ensures compatibility between caregivers and those receiving care so that everyone involved has the best experience possible.
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