As seniors near the end of their lives, they can often experience various levels of mental decline. Depending on the severity and progression of age-related dementia or memory loss, they may start to need increasingly higher levels of care. Determining the right level of care for a senior suffering from mental decline can be essential, as you want to ensure that your loved one has the best possible balance of support and independence.
Types of Assisted Living Programs
Each level of care is slightly different, which makes it vital to understand what to expect when you sign your loved one up for a certain level of care. There are four main types of assisted living programs that can be tailored to fit each senior's needs.
Independent Living Programs - Independent living facilities are homes or apartments specifically designed for seniors. These residences provide supportive services like housekeeping and meals but generally allow seniors to remain highly independent. They are not currently meant for seniors with memory loss or other forms of mental decline.
Assisted Living Programs - At an assisted living facility, a senior typically has their own private residence combined with 24/7 nursing staff to help them with basic tasks such as dressing and bathing, while also providing medical attention if needed. Assisted living provides more support than independent living but much less than what a skilled nursing facility can offer.
Memory Care Programs - Memory care units within assisted living facilities specialize in helping residents who have Alzheimer's disease or dementia. The goal of these specialized programs is to maximize the resident's physical and emotional well-being by providing personal assistance along with activities specially designed for those suffering from cognitive decline.
Skilled Nursing Facilities - Skilled nursing facilities provide intensive medical care around the clock which includes specialized aides helping patients stay safe while walking, eating and taking medications correctly – all under the supervision of nurses and physicians.
The Best Types of Assisted Living Programs for Different Levels of Cognitive Impairment
The level of care your senior loved one needs may depend on the extent of cognitive impairment.
Mild Cognitive Impairment: Seniors suffering from minor levels of cognitive impairment may still be fine in an independent living program. However, they may benefit more from care in an assisted living program.
Moderate Cognitive Impairment: At moderate levels of cognitive impairment, seniors may benefit from higher levels of care. For example, they may need to start considering whether they want to move into a memory care program or skilled nursing facility.
Severe Cognitive Impairment: At the highest level of cognitive impairment, family caregivers may need to consider a skilled nursing facility, which can provide around-the-clock medical attention in addition to extra assistance with daily tasks such as walking and feeding.
Get Help for a Loved One with Cognitive Impairment at Home
It is important to remember that all situations are different when it comes to mental decline and the appropriate level of care. Consulting with healthcare providers, family members and professionals experienced in assisted living programs can be the best way to understand which type of assistance may best serve your loved one. While there can be a difficult transition period for seniors who need more support than they were used to before, you can help ensure their happiness by helping them find the right balance between support and independence for their unique situation.
In the early stages of cognitive decline, seniors may benefit from staying at home for as long as possible. At Senior Helpers Des Plaines, we provide in-home care options for seniors in Chicago, Des Plaines, and Lake Forest, including companionship services, help with the tasks of daily living, or respite care for caregivers. Contact us today to learn more about our service options.