Finding A Place For Mom

Often there comes a time to start thinking about whether or not your parent has gotten to the point of needing help for living comfortably and safely. Sadly, this becomes a stressful time for the parent, and the child trying to help. There are so many options available, but how to know which is the best option can be a challenge, and a worry.

If only this could be looked at as a happy time. A time for a change that can be not only rewarding to the parent in need, but a time for the son or daughter to know their parent is truly being watched over throughout the day, and nights.

My husband's grandmother is one situation where the lady embraced this change and is living every day looking forward to interacting with her new friends, and the wide array of activities available to her. She is having such a grand time that she rarely is willing to travel and visit with family for any length of time. She is happy for those meals being handled for once, and for the care available should she need it.

Assisted Living: These are communities and facilities the help promote health, safety, and well-being for seniors. They provide housing, health care and personal care services for those needing assistance with activities of daily living in a more independent environment than that of a traditional nursing home.

There are wide variations in the level of care provided. Some elder folk are quite independent, only needing periodic help with daily necessities or medication management. Others, who are more frail, need a higher level of assistance.

There are currently 36,000 assisted living options in the United States.

Home Care: There are more than 7.6 million Americans receiving home care at this time. And, this doesn't take into consideration the family members and friends providing informal care to their elder members. Home care is non-medical support at the home of the senior, allowing the senior to remain home longer instead of moving to an assisted living community or nursing home, or other type of home care. This is for people needing minor assistance with activities of daily living. Home care services are usually available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Residential Care Homes: These homes may be called adult family homes, adult foster homes, group homes, or personal care homes. Some seniors would rather live in this smaller setting instead of the larger community nursing home. The staff is there to help with all the needs of daily living, and often specialize in particular needs such as Diabetes care or memory care. These types of care homes can be more intimate and are often in traditional houses in neighborhoods.

Retirement Communities: Also called senior independent living communities, these are designed to accomodate seniors with few medical problems. The residents here live in a variety of apartments ranging from studios to large two bedroom units. Many of these communities are designing townhomes for retired couples. There are often extensive activities and amenities available such as golf courses, swimming pools, fitness clubs and dining facilities.

Nursing Homes: There are over 16,000 nursing homes in America. These are skilled nursing facilies for those seniors needing constant medical attention and significant assistance with daily living. Some nursing homes are located within an assisted living community or a hospital. Depending on the size of the facility, nursing homes are required by federal law to have at least one licensed nurse on duty at all times. Activities should be available to contribute to physical, mental, and social stimulation.

Alzheimer's Care: More than 26 million people worldwide, and 4.5 million in the United States sufer from this disease. Those with Alzheimer's require specialized services that are very different from other elderly ailments. Care is often found in special unit of an assisted living or nursing home. Structured activities are delivered by trained staff members who specialize in dementia. A common symptom of Alzheimer's is "wandering" and these living environments must have secured areas to prevent this from occuring. Access to outdoor gardens or walking paths that are secured is hugely beneficial for these residents.

Those dealing with an aging parent know full well the importance of acting when the one they love is showing signs of needing assistance with daily living.  There is a lot to worry about in regards to what might happen if they should fall, or fail to eat correctly, or forget their medications, or even if there is a pet in the home that needs care as well.

There are so many options available today, so you don't have to take on this burden all on your own.  You most likely have many questions and concerns over cost, and what type of home is the best option at this time.  There are people available to help you with all the questions and you don't have to spend any money for their advice.  Alleviate some of that worry and get answers.

A Place For Mom is a great place to start for information and and help!