parent move

Choosing the Right Living Arrangement for an Aging Parent

When the time comes to decide where your elderly parent should live, you have a lot of options. While this is a good thing, it also can be overwhelming.

Even if you are familiar with the most common types of senior living arrangements, from adult communities to nursing homes, there are still a variety of things that you must consider before moving your parent out of their current home.

In its article, Housing Options for Seniors, http://familydoctor.org suggests talking to your loved one’s doctor for guidance. Some questions you might want to ask include, How do I know if my parent is ready for a senior living community? What types of medical care or assistance will my loved one require? Will this be a short-term or long-term living arrangement?

The article also offers some suggestions for when it comes time for your parent to move. These include:
  1. Set a realistic budget
  2. Make a list of all physical, medical and emotional needs
  3. Tour residences
  4. Read the housing contract carefully

Physicians Choice Private Duty helps care for seniors in all types of situations. If you are struggling with the decision about where to move your loved one or would like to hear about the type of care we offer, call us at 402-332-2273.

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Senior Living Option

Senior Living Options Continue to Grow

There have never been more options when it comes to finding a place for your elderly parent to live. And while this is a good thing, it also makes it more difficult to decide what option best suits the needs of your loved one. One thing is for sure, however. As much as possible, keep your parent involved in the decision-making process.

It can be difficult to know what is the best option for your parent when you don’t understand those options.

That’s why doing your research is so important: https://www.consumeraffairs.com/health/senior-living-options.html

They say that, “Home is where the heart is.”

When choosing a home for your elderly parent, make sure you pick one where he or she will feel safe, loved and comfortable. https://www.aarp.org/home-garden/housing/info-08-2009/ginzler_housing_choices.html

Many people have a difficult time admitting that their older parent is no longer safe—or happy—in his or her current home.

Knowing the signs that a change is needed can help. https://www.caring.com/articles/signs-its-time-for-assisted-living

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Five Common Housing Options for Older Adults

Deciding where your parent should live as he or she grows older is a difficult decision. While much will depend on his or her health, there are other considerations, as well. The good news is that there are a lot of choices. The bad news? There are a lot of choices.

Narrowing down your options can be difficult but having options to choose from helps to ensure that your loved one is living the happiest, healthiest and most fulfilling life possible. So, what are some of the options? What follows are five of the most common senior living arrangements:

  1.  Adult Communities. These neighborhoods for older adults are usually made up of houses or townhomes but also can include apartments, condos or even mobile homes. The only requirement for this type of housing is that residents are 55 years or older. Residents of these type of communities are completely independent and have no issues living on their own. The popularity of these communities stems from the fact that they allow older adults to socialize and participate in a variety of activities with other older, active adults.
  2. Independent Living Communities. Made up of apartment-style housing or condominiums, independent living communities also allow seniors to live with their peers. Many of these communities offer the option of private duty health care services. It is common for such communities to have a relationship with a single private duty care company. The company may even have an office located in the complex.

    Senior Communities Living

    Moving Your Parent To Assisted Living

  3. Assisted Living. Similar to adult or independent living communities, assisted living offers social activities along with health care services. This apartment-style housing is designed for seniors who require help with things like meals, medication management, transportation, as well as bathing or dressing. The needs of assisted living residents can vary significantly with some residents fairly independent while others may have dementia. There are typically special units for seniors who require a higher level of care.
  4. Nursing Homes. Also referred to as skilled nursing or extended care facilities, nursing homes are staffed with nurses and other health professionals 24 hours a day. In some cases, seniors stay for only a short period of time, for example, to rehab from a fall or surgery. Others live there permanently. Medicare or Medicaid may cover some costs for residents of a nursing home.
  5. Continuing Care Retirement Community. This type of community meets the needs of all types of seniors, from independent living to highly-skilled care. As their needs change, seniors can move to an area within these communities that meets their particular needs. While expensive, these communities allow seniors to age in place. When it comes to senior living, there really is something for everyone. So how do you decide what is best for your loved one? Talking to his or her physician is a good first step so you know the level of care your loved one requires. In a perfect world, money would not be an option when it comes to deciding on the best living arrangement for an elderly parent but this is seldom the case. Therefore, it is important to set a realistic budget before you begin your search. The next step is to make a list of what you and your parent are looking for in a senior living community. Does your parent want an active social life? How much assistance does he or she need in terms of everyday activities? Are there major medical issues that need to be managed? As much as possible, try to keep your parent involved in what is a major life decision.

While it is tempting to believe that you know what is best for your parent, it is important that he or she has a say. Remember, your parent will be the one who will live there, so you want to make sure it is a place where he or she can be well-cared for, happy and comfortable—for years to come.

At Physicians Choice Private Duty Omaha, your loved one will find the right health services. Start now!

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New Housing Developments Cater to Seniors

With the number of older adults in the U.S. expected to grow tremendously over the next four decades, housing options for seniors need to go far beyond just nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

Physicians Choice is one the fastest growing in-home professional health care providers in the region.

INSIDENOVA’s article, More Housing Options, Opportunities Being Sought for Seniors, references the AARP’s view on what senior housing should look like, and the fact that seniors—when possible—should be able to live the lives they want, where they want. The AARP also believes that in the future, senior housing efforts should include the following:

  • Improved home design.
  • Affordable options.
  • Promotion of financial security of housing assets.
  • The fostering of home- and community-based service delivery

In other words, according to AARP, senior housing should meet the needs of the elderly, regardless of their age or ability. If your elderly loved one wants to age in place and remain a vibrant part of his or her community, Physician’s Choice Private Duty can help to make sure that happens. Call us at 402-331-2273 to learn how to make sure your loved one stays at home as long as possible.

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