Last week, I covered several resources available to assist in the care of our elderly, in honor of #Older Americans Month. This week focuses on Long Term Care Living options. In light of Mother’s Day, two days from now, I feel moved to share a little of my own experience with my mom several years ago. I received a call from the Administrator of an #Assisted Living facility where my mom resided for four years. She informed me that they were going to discharge her from the memory care unit because they didn’t feel they could adequately keep her safe from falls. I had 30 days to make arrangements for mom. I was just two weeks into my retirement from my job of 26 years. In fact, one of the main reasons I retired early was due to the number of calls I received in my last two years of working. The facility would notify me of my mother’s falls and her being unresponsive. I would rush to the hospital, thinking the worst, to find her stable and alert…thank God!
Laura was diagnosed with Dementia back in 2007. She had lost the ability to live independently and needed 24 hour supervision. Being her guardian, I knew it was time to make other arrangements. I just didn’t know where, and definitely wasn’t expecting the call to come as soon as it did. After careful consideration and talks with my husband, I decided to bring her home. Seeing her decline over the years, I’d rather mom be with her family and loved ones than to painstakingly search for another long term care facility.
Types of Long Term Care Facilities:
In-Home Care: Supports seniors who are aging in place.
- Professional Caregivers offer support in the comforts of your home
- Assists with daily living activities, meal prep, bathing, companionship
- Certified/Licensed Nurses provide home health services
Independent Living: Communities designed for seniors to live independently within a planned development, a.k.a. retirement community
- Provides social interaction, activities, recreation with other seniors
- On-site staff for safety and security provisions
Assisted Living: A residential setting with varied levels of services based on individual care needs
- Environment that promotes independence
- Trained 24 hour staff to assist with daily living activities
- Group dining, on-site amenities and activities
- Medication management services, personal safety monitoring, housekeeping and transportation
Memory Care: Residential care designed to meet the needs of those experiencing cognitive decline
- Provides specialized care and programs for those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia or cognitive decline
- A stand alone or unit within a tiered living community
- Restrictive, designed for higher level of care, secure environment
- Trained 24 hr staff attend to personal and health care needs
Skilled Nursing Facilities (Nursing Homes): Licensed healthcare facility for individuals who require a higher level of medical care
- Provides assistance with health conditions requiring constant supervision
- 24 hr licensed supervision of skilled-nursing and personal care needs
- Provides short term rehabilitation or long term care
Adult Day Care: Supervised, structured daytime environment to support other senior housing arrangements
- Provides opportunities for socialization, recreation, and activities away from home environment
- Services and activities based on interests of the participant
- Offers meals, some medication management, and transportation to facility
- Offer short-term or flexible hours to allow respite to care provider
For more information on Long Term Care Living, go to https://longtermcare.acl.gov
Next week’s topic will cover Medicaid and Medicare options.
What has your care giving experience been like? Leave a reply @info.50plusshadesofus.com or go to https://50plusshadesofus.com
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