The following is a summary of several questions we recently received. These questions all have the same common thread. What are our options when it comes to caregiving? We have summarized them into a “group question” presented herein below.
It seemed to happen so suddenly. Mom & Dad had been living together at home for years. Dad died a couple of years ago, but it seemed to my siblings and me that Mom was okay. She was able to take care of herself in the home that she had always lived in. However in the last few weeks, it seems that things have changed. In retrospect, things may have been changing for quite some time, but maybe we had just ignored the changes.
However it is obvious now that Mom needs help. Things that she had always done without thinking are starting to slip. She can take care of herself for the most part. But she needs a little help, especially during the day. My siblings and I are willing to help, but we all have full-time jobs and families of our own. We can check on her before and after work, but we cannot be there during the day. She needs help and we are not sure what to do. What are our options?
Continuing to Live at Home Option
If it is safe for Momma to be at home by herself during the day, perhaps the kids can take turns checking on her to make sure that her needs at home are being met. This would require a scheduling effort, with someone checking on Momma morning, noon and night. The schedule may work for a while until her care needs become more involved.
Non-Medical Home Care Option
If there is not enough family to go around, or they need additional assistance, then the family may need to involve the help of a non-medical Home Care provider. This type of care is usually available on an hourly basis, with you purchasing only as much additional care as you need. For example, some providers provide a service where they come a couple of hours in the morning and a couple of hours at night. However, sometimes the care is needed during the middle of the day while the kids are at work and can’t be there personally to help. Usually the need for care starts slowly and grows over a period of time.
Independent Living Facility Option
Sometimes Mom’s needs outgrow her home – meaning the home may be too big, require too much maintenance or no longer be functional (such as a situation where her bedroom is upstairs.) In such situations a move to an Independent Living Facility may allow her to retain her independence for a period of time. In such a facility she would need to provide for her own care, but would have the benefit of being in an environment where meals were provided and she would be able to socialize with other Seniors.
Assisted Living Facility Option
If Mom needs more care, she may need an Assisted Living Facility. These are facilities that provide Care for Seniors who need assistance with one or more Activities of Daily Living (ADL’S). However situations differ markedly in Assisted Living Facilities. Some provide meals only, where some have full-time activities directors and provide a substantial amount of socialization for their Residents during the day. You should tour a few facilities to make sure there is an appropriate fit with your Loved One’s needs.
Alternatives In Care Cheat Sheet (get yours below!)
Sometimes with changes in a Parent’s Health happening so suddenly, it is hard to keep up. It is difficult to know what type of care is truly in the best interest of a declining Parent. If you are a child of a declining Parent and need assistance in determining the best move to take on behalf of your Parent, click below get your Alternatives In Care Cheat Sheet. This cheat sheet includes the Top 7 Care Options with main points to consider for each. You may reach this decision point multiple times throughout your Loved One’s care journey. This cheat sheet will help you with your next step. Click below to receive your copy.
Best wishes with your efforts to take great care of the Senior in your life.
0 comments