Understanding Different Types of Elder Care
October 21, 2009 by admin
Filed under Adult Day Care, Assisted Living, Home Care, Memory Care, Nursing Homes, Respite Care, independent living
If you’re looking into Elder Care options for you or a loved one, chances are, you’ve already been confused by the terminology. You understand what a nursing home is, but there are so many other types of care and terms to describe them, it can be very confusing. There’s Assisted Living and Independent Living; Home Care and Care Homes, Respite Care and Adult Day Care, Continuing care and Memory Care. The list goes on and on.
In order to know what type of care you’re looking for, you need to understand your terms. Here are some helpful definitions to some of the most common terms out there to get you one step further down the road.
Assisted Living
Think of it as a half-way option for who adults who desire independence but need some assistance. When health and aging make it too hard for a senior to live alone, many people turn to Assisted Living Facilities, which allow a healthy degree of independence for their residents, while still maintaining a helpful, supportive community around them.Adult Day Care
A community respite care service offered at staffed facilities to care for seniors who are in need of care during daytime hours. Oftentimes, these Adult Day Care facilities focus primarily on patients with Alzheimer’s or other types of Dementia.ADL’s
“Activities for Daily Living.” These are daily activities that most adults do without thinking, but can be increasingly difficult for elders as their health begins to deteriorate. These include getting dressed, eating, taking showers, etc. Home Care Services and Assisted Living facilities will often use the term “ADL’s” when describing the types of activities their staff will help with.Respite Care
A service that is offered to full-time caregivers who need a little time off, whether that means regularly or occasionally. Respite Care workers can be in-home nurses or workers at a facility such as an Adult Day Care or Assisted Living community.Home Care
Care that is provided in the senior’s own living environment. Home Care providers can offer a wide array of services depending on the patient’s needs, from skilled registered nurses who can deal with most any medical situation to Home Care companions, who can simply offer a helping hand and a watchful eye.Care Homes
Residences that offer different degrees medical care and and living assistance to the seniors who live there.Independent Living
(Also called “Retirement Communities”) A living setting designed for seniors who do not need medical care and want to maximize their independent lifestyle in an active senior community. Many Independent Living communities still offer basic benefits like hospitality and meal services, and are connected with more intensive levels of Assisted Living and Skilled Nursing homes should the need arise.Memory Care
Specialized care for seniors who suffer from Alzheimer’s or other types of Dementia. Short-term memory care often comes in the form of Respite Care, where an adult day care or a home companion can keep an eye out for seniors with memory impairment. Long-term memory care usually comes in an Assisted Living facility, where special care is taken to ensure the security, safety, and mental stimulation of the patients.Continuing Care
It has been called a “one-stop-shop” for Elder Care. Continuing Care facilities are wide in scope, offering many degrees of care. Many residents will join a continuing care community while they are still healthy, living in an Independent Living segment of the community. As their daily and medical needs increase, their level of care will increase also so that they are able to easily graduate to Assisted Living and Nursing Home care if the need arises.For Oregon Residents
To find which Elder Care facilities offer these various services in Eugene, click here.
What is Assisted Living?
September 14, 2009 by admin
Filed under Assisted Living, Stories
So you’ve talked with your family, and you all agree on one thing: Something has to be done for mom or dad. Living alone is hard enough, but at their age, it’s becoming a real cause for concern. They don’t need a nursing home, but they have some lingering health needs, and require some assistance in their daily living. And home care is simply not an option.
It’s probably time to explore Assisted Living.
What is Assisted Living? Think of it as a half-way option for who adults who desire independence but need some assistance. When health and aging make it too hard for a senior to live alone, many people turn to Assisted Living Facilities, which allow a healthy degree of independence for their residents, while still maintaining a helpful, supportive community around them.
Many Assisted Living residents do not have grave illnesses, but experience difficulty in ways that most of us take for granted: everything from driving a car and doing laundry to getting out of bed and bathing themselves. Facility staff offer assistance according the needs of the residents. And of course, medical care is always nearby. Many of these facilities also offer nursing home facilities as well, often on the same property. This is sometimes referred to “Continuing Care,” and it can be very helpful for everyone. Residents don’t have to start from square 1 with applications and paper work, and they don’t have to make a massive transitions when their health does begin to deteriorate.
One reason many people choose Assisted Living facilities is for the communities they form. There are often bingo nights, exercise groups, arts and crafts, and town outings. These communities aren’t meant to replace family, but friends sure do make it easier!
My Grandmother, who passed away in April, lived in Assisted Living for the last few years of her life. She cherished being able to go into town even though she could no longer drive. And when she became ill, she made an easy transition to more intensive nursing care.
So what about your loved one? If they can’t live alone, can’t live with you, but don’t need full-time nursing care, it might be time to check out an Assisted Care facility. If you are in Oregon, click here to find a facility near you.