Nursing homes are not the only way to ensure your senior loved one gets the care they need and deserve. There are many levels of care for seniors that suit each senior's individual needs while allowing them to still live their life to the fullest. Making sure that your senior gets the right level of care will give both you and your senior comfort and peace of mind without unnecessary restrictions. From around the clock care to independent living, here are a few common levels of care for you to explore.
Independent Living
Independent living offers seniors the most hands-off care. Independent living often takes place in senior communities (sometimes called retirement communities) while offering perks like transportation to local stores, community activities, maintenance, and housekeeping. Independent living suits seniors who are active and able to care mostly for themselves. These communities help keep seniors' social lives thriving while filling a need to downsize their living arrangements. Independent living can be combined with a higher level of care such as a home caregiver to provide extra support.
Assisted Living
Assisted living serves a large population of seniors who need some type of assistance, but not as much as would be needed in a nursing home. Assisted living facilities aim to help seniors remain as independent as possible while still giving reassurance of care. Within assisted living facilities, staff can offer different services for varying needs including meal assistance, taking medications at certain times, housekeeping, and security. Assisted living facilities may be a small group of apartments or large multi-building facilities.
Memory Care
Memory care services are unique because they provide specialized services for seniors with memory issues. Memory issues can range from something simple like forgetting a name to trouble completing daily tasks. You may find memory care services in assisted living facilities, but memory care facilities also exist on their own. Memory care is focused on lowering stress for those with Alzheimer's or dementia by setting special routines for seniors. Seniors with memory issues can provide a danger to themselves and their caregivers, so these specialized facilities focus on lowering the risk of harm and bringing back peace to these seniors' lives.
Nursing Home or Skilled Nursing Facilities
Nursing homes, also known as skilled nursing facilities, are different from the prior levels of care because they primarily focus on medical care for seniors. Nursing homes can provide intensive medical care when necessary. While some residents of nursing homes may make a recovery and return to a lower level of care, some residents must remain in nursing homes due to the level of their medical needs.
Hospice Care
Hospice care is to provide comfort and support to individuals facing a terminal prognosis who will not be undergoing treatment. Hospice care is tailored towards individuals in need of pain management, emotional support, and spiritual support. This level of care can be provided in a person's home, in a hospital, or another facility where the individual is located. This level of care differs because it is not focused as much on physical healing or well-being, but more on physical comfort and support.
These five levels of care are just the beginning of the services your elderly loved one can receive. Whether it's for around the clock care or senior companionship, if you or your senior have questions about what level of care best fits your senior's needs, consider contacting a professional to help. Senior Helpers of Salem, Oregon is here to help you with these types of decisions. Contact us to learn more about the services we provide and what might be most helpful for your loved one.