Which Senior Care Option is Best for My Loved One? By Julie Senger According to a recent report by the United Health Foundation and American Public Health Association, by 2030, its projected that more than 20% of the U.S. population will be age 65 and older, up from 13% in 2010 and just under 10% in 1970. Therefore, finding appropriate living arrangements and care for an aging family member is something most everyone will have to consider at some point in their lifetime. With so many different options available for senior care in Georgia, it can be an overwhelming and daunting task to try and find the right facility or professional assistance for your aging loved one. All of the available options have much to offer, but the one that is best for your elder family member will greatly depend upon their individual needs and abilities, as well as the capabilities and amount of time others in the family can be involved in the care of their senior. In an effort to narrow down your search, here is an explanation of some of the different options: Home Health Care Home health care is usually used on a more short-term basis in an effort to help an individual live independently again after an illness or injury. The care may be comprised of physical, occupational and/or speech therapy and is usually administered on a part-time or intermittent basis by a medical professional who comes into your home. Respite Care Respite care is a service that companies provide for seniors whose primary caretakers are usually family members. It is temporary, short-term care that can be contained within an assisted living facility or continuing care retirement facility, or eldercare professionals can be hired to come into your home. Respite care is usually utilized when family caretakers need a day off or are going on vacation. Independent Living Just as the name suggests, independent living communities/facilities are usually a good choice for seniors who require little or no assistance with daily life. The units may provide optional services for residents, such as housekeeping, laundry and meals. Residents of independent units may have some home health care services provided by in-house staff or an outside agency. The community may or may not provide hospitality or supportive services, but if it does, residents have complete choice as to whether or not they want to participate in those services or programs. Assisted Living If an independent living residence doesnt provide the level of support that is needed, then assisted living may be the best choice. Assisted living provides long-term care that combines housing, support services and health care. According to the National Survey of Residential Care Facilities, it is the preferred alternative to nursing home care and is the fastest growing long-term option for seniors. Assisted living facilities will assess residents needs when they move in and will reassess any time they have a change in long-term health or physical needs. They will then develop a personalized care plan based on the results of the individuals assessment. The amenities will vary, but most facilities include meals, housekeeping and laundry services, transportation, 24 hour security, exercise/wellness programs and social and recreational activities. Personal care options usually include emergency call systems in each unit, medication management, access to health and medical services, as well as staff members who will respond to scheduled/unscheduled needs, which usually include help with eating, bathing, dressing, walking and/or toileting. One local assisted living community, The Georgian Lakeside, which is set to open in North Fulton this spring, will be utilizing state-of-the-art electronic health records and electronic medication administration records to provide its care staff with detailed schedules, instructions and documentation for the care of each of its residents. Special Care Units (SCUs) SCUs are assisted living communities for individuals with Alzheimers disease or related dementia. They usually have additional security measures in place, such as cueing devices or specific architectural features, and they must be licensed by the state to ensure that programming specific to the needs of these residents is being provided. The staff members in SCUs are specially trained to work with individuals who have dementia. However, be sure to double check the specific facilitys acceptance regulations, as some will only accept residents who are in the early stages of the disease. SCUs are often housed in a special wing of an assisted living facility. Continuing Care RetirementCommunities (CCRC) CCRCs offer all of the different levels of care (independent living, assisted living and nursing home care). Often, there is a long-term agreement/contract between the resident and the community that offers a continuum of the different levels of living arrangements/care, which is based on the individuals needs at different stages of his or her life. The housing, services and health care system are usually all on one site and are covered by state regulations in Georgia. Nursing Homes Nursing Homes can be a short-term or longer-term residential option. They provide nursing or convalescent care for three or more persons unrelated to the licensee. They treat chronic conditions, or provide convalescent or rehabilitative care. Nursing homes are decidedly less private, but are often necessary following an injury or long illness, where the temporary or longer-term resident requires daily nursing. If you notice that your senior family member is having trouble maintaining their home, managing medication, feeding or bathing their self, using the restroom without assistance or if they are having memory loss or other long-term health issues, it may be time to consider one of the above options. For more information on how to find the eldercare option that is right for your loved ones needs, you can visit N4A.org, or call the National Eldercare Locator by the U.S. Administration on Aging at 800-677-1116. Additionally, a handy Community Review Checklist can be found on the Assisted Living Federation of Americas website at ALFA.org/alfa/Choosing_a_Community1.asp.
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