For many people, there often comes a time when a close relative is no longer able to live successfully on their own. This often opens a confusing can of worms as families try to determine what course of action is best for their loved one. With so many options, such as in-home care, agencies, family caregiving, and nursing options, it can be hard to know where to start.
On top of that, there are so many aspects of care to consider. Caregivers may need to ensure a loved one receives proper nutrition, will have to consider medication management, or might have to factor in mobility issues. All these factors can be overwhelming, and often families do not know where to start.
It's our hope that we can shed some much-needed light on this process and help families as they navigate the maze of senior care options. When asked, nearly all seniors will communicate that they’d like to stay in their home as long as possible. Determining when this is an option, or when Assisted Living may be needed can be a tricky and emotional process. What follows are some suggestions to assist loved ones as they seek to keep their aging relatives safe and healthy in the environment that can most effectively meet their needs.
In-Home Care
For an aging loved one who may just need some assistance with managing day to day tasks such as housekeeping, meal prep, and medication set-up, a local agency may be a great option. There are many agencies that can provide “helpers” who can visit your loved one at home a few times a week and keep things in order. This service is a great fit for an ageing relative that may need a little extra assistance day to day tasks around the house, but who otherwise is safe and healthy enough to live on their own. Individuals who require nonmedical assistance and who live in a senior-friendly environment would be great candidates for these types of in-home care options.
If more specific care, such as bathing and grooming are needed, there are also many agencies who can provide certified care givers to assist with these tasks. They are background checked and properly trained to know how to administer these care related tasks. Usually these types of task would fall under routine, or regular interval assistance – something that can be easily scheduled and doesn’t require round-the-clock-care.
In some cases, if there is a long-term insurance policy in place, certain policies may help pay for in-home care. There are also subsidized programs available, such as PACE (Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) which are available to help offset the costs of care.
Assisted Living
After all in-home options have been exhausted, it can often be time to make the decision to move into an assisted living community. Assisted Living accommodations come in a variety of sizes from less than 16 beds to more than 100, so there are wide variances in each property that allow potential residents to select what best suits their financial and aesthetic preferences.
Perhaps the most important feature on the list of benefits of assisted living communities is the customized care. Care services in Assisted Living communities are based on each individual’s needs rather than being a one-size-fits-all service. Each new resident is assessed so that an individualized plan of care can be carefully crafted for them, to ensure the best standard of care is delivered. Additionally, Assisted Living properties have staff on site 24-hours a day, and provide services such as meals, housekeeping, and both physical and social activities each day.
The Pacifica Difference
At Pacifica Senior Living we relish each opportunity to care for your loved ones in Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care settings. With a mission to provide care that lends itself to a lifestyle of independence and peace of mind, we seek to deliver our services in a compassionate manner coupled with dignity and respect. Our staff goes above and beyond, providing individualized care to each resident, and we welcome everyone as part of our family.
You can learn more about what to look for when choosing a senior living community HERE, and we invite you to contact one of our local communities to schedule a tour, enjoy a complimentary lunch and experience the Pacifica difference.
